Trump Clashes with Reporter Over DC Shooting and Afghan Suspect, Calls Biden Program 'A Mess'

Image Source: Internet

US President Donald Trump sparked a heated exchange with a reporter on Tuesday when he was asked to explain his criticism of the Biden administration over the recent Washington DC shooting. The incident left two National Guard members critically injured, with one succumbing to her injuries. The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program, which was implemented by the Biden administration to resettle tens of thousands of Afghans. While Lakanwal had applied for asylum under the Biden administration, his application was approved during the Trump presidency, according to reports. Trump was visibly agitated when questioned about his criticism, asking the reporter, 'Are you stupid?' and insisting that the program was a 'mess.' He claimed that the law prevented the removal of individuals who had already entered the country, and that the entire situation should not have occurred. Supporters of the Operation Allies Welcome program argue that it provided a vital lifeline to those who risked persecution by the Taliban. The initiative brought approximately 76,000 people to the US, many of whom had worked closely with US troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. However, the program has faced intense criticism from Trump and other Republicans, who have raised concerns over the vetting process and the speed of admissions. Lakanwal, prior to arriving in the US, had worked with the US government, including the CIA, as part of a partner force in Kandahar. A relative confirmed that he was a member of a CIA-backed unit in the Afghan army. The incident has sparked a heated debate over the effectiveness and safety of the Operation Allies Welcome program.