Donald Trump’s transition team is said to be creating a list of military officials who could be court-martialed for their involvement in the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, an event that led to the tragic deaths of 13 service members in a suicide bombing.
This review aims to determine accountability for decisions made during the withdrawal and could lead to charges, including treason.
Matt Flynn, a former defense official, is allegedly leading the effort, although his attorney denies his involvement.
Critics, including Trump and his defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth, have condemned the withdrawal as a failure of military leadership, suggesting that many officials should be dismissed.
The transition team is also considering recalling active duty commanders and may pursue lesser charges if treason is not applicable.
“They’re taking it very seriously,” one source said. “Matt Flynn has nothing to do with the Trump transition team, much less leading any review concerning military justice matters. No one has sought out Mr. Flynn’s views on this hypothetical legal scenario.”
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, said, “The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired. The debacle in Afghanistan, of course, is the most glaring example.”
“These generals lied. They mismanaged. They violated their oath. They failed. They disgraced our troops, and our nation. They got people killed, unnecessarily,” he wrote. “And, to this moment, they keep their jobs. Worse, they continue to actively erode our military and its values — by capitulating to civilians with radical agendas. They are an embarrassment, with stars still on their shoulders.”
