An accidental email response sparked blistering backlash for the White House and proved the worst about the Biden-Harris administration’s view of American veterans.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby triggered an outcry and calls for his termination after he inadvertently responded to a reporter in an email meant for White House staffers.
“On the anniversary of 9/11, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby dismissed the concerns of military veterans critical of the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, writing in response to a Fox News Digital press inquiry that there’s ‘no use’ weighing in on the veterans’ views,” Fox News reported.
John Kirby gives you the inside look on what the Biden White House actually thinks of veterans.
Fox News reached out for comment on a story about veterans criticizing the Afghan withdrawal.
Kirby accidentally hit reply all and said “no use in responding to a handful of vets.” pic.twitter.com/I0u1jkVLln
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 11, 2024
Kirby evidently hit “reply all” on an email chain that was directed at White House staffers, but also included Fox News Digital.
“Obviously no use in responding. A ‘handful’ of vets indeed and all of one stripe,” Kirby said in the message sent while he was reportedly traveling with President Biden, likely referring in the message to the veterans being supporters of former President Trump, or just not supporters of the Biden administration.
“Fox News Digital had reached out to the White House earlier Wednesday afternoon regarding critical comments from four veterans, including Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who blasted Kirby for his Monday press conference that they said provided ‘cover’ for the Biden administration’s 2021 withdrawal,” Fox News noted.
The email contained quotes from the vets and was forwarded to White House staffers on the National Security Council in order to get any official comments in response to the criticism.
“Clearly, I didn’t realize you were on the chain.” Kirby later followed up with a Fox News Digital reporter.
The White House official’s “callous” remark was met with heated fury on social media.
“Retired Rear Admiral Kirby’s comments are appalling, but sadly not surprising,” Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said in a statement.
“The Biden-Harris administration has consistently disregarded our veterans, servicemembers, and Gold Star families over their botched withdrawal from Afghanistan,” the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee added.
“Shame!” wrote Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller in a post on X, adding in separate posts that the words were “stupid” and “insensitive.”
“This is how the Biden-Harris administration talks about the well-founded concerns of our nation’s veterans?” Sen. John Thune (R-SD) wrote on X. “Just days after the anniversary of the deadly Afghanistan withdrawal. On the anniversary of 9/11. Our Gold Star families deserve better.”
Others also expressed their shock and anger.
John Kirby is a DISGRACE!!
In an accidental reply to Fox News, he stated that there was NO NEED to respond to “a handful of vets” about the BOTCHED Biden-Harris withdrawal from Afghanistan!! 13 American service members DIED and he DOESN’T CARE!!
This administration has NO…
— Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJacksonTX) September 12, 2024
They constantly bring up the suckers and losers hoax even though there’s no evidence that it’s true — while they’ve completely ignored, pushed aside, and brushed under the rug any Gold Star family or critic of their Afghanistan disaster. Horrible, lying disgusting people.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 11, 2024
Vile and disgusting. When the Democrat WH shows how they feel about our military members, believe them.
— Savannah (@BasedSavannah) September 11, 2024
Wow. Just wow.
I don’t know why I am surprised, but I am.
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) September 11, 2024
In any previous administration, Dem or Rep, Kirby would be fired
— Father of 3 (@whiter069) September 11, 2024
Ouch Quiet part out loud, on accident. Shameful
— American Girl 🇺🇸 BTC 🚀 (@Lolsonrealtor) September 11, 2024
