Blinken Declines Afghanistan Testimony, Ignites Accountability Controversy

Antony Blinken’s refusal to testify before Congress on the Afghanistan withdrawal raises questions about accountability in the Biden administration.

At a Glance

House Republicans have subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The subpoena was issued by Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Blinken is ordered to appear by Sept. 19 or face a contempt of Congress charge.
The testimony is intended to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
A State Department spokesperson cited Blinken’s scheduled diplomatic travels as the reason for his non-appearance.

Blinken Subpoenaed for Afghanistan Withdrawal Testimony

House Republicans, led by Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have issued a subpoena for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify regarding the Biden administration’s controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan. This action has ignited a debate over the administration’s accountability and transparency concerning the chaotic evacuation.

Blinken’s refusal to comply with the subpoena has prompted McCaul to set a deadline of September 19 for his testimony, warning that failure to appear will result in a contempt of Congress charge. McCaul emphasized Blinken’s critical role in the withdrawal operation and stressed the importance of his testimony for legislative reforms.

House Republicans have issued a subpoena demanding testimony from Secretary of State Antony Blinken as they wrap up a sprawling yearslong investigation into the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. https://t.co/H1G3mdz0C2

— PBS News (@NewsHour) September 4, 2024

State Department’s Response and Ongoing Investigations

The State Department, represented by spokesman Matthew Miller, has expressed disappointment with the committee’s approach, labeling the subpoena as unnecessary. Miller noted Blinken’s extensive previous testimonies, including 14 times on Afghanistan, as evidence of the administration’s cooperation with Congress.

“The Secretary has testified before the Congress on Afghanistan more than 14 times — more than any other Cabinet-level official,” stated Miller.

#US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul has issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding that he testify regarding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.https://t.co/esqD5qLk2P

— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) September 5, 2024

Implications for Future Accountability

McCaul’s committee asserts that Blinken’s testimony is vital to understanding the decisions made during the withdrawal and to shaping future policies that could prevent such failures. Despite multiple communication attempts, the State Department has not proposed an alternative date for Blinken’s appearance, leading to the postponement of the hearing.

“As Secretary of State throughout the withdrawal and non-combatant evacuation operation [NEO], you were entrusted to lead these efforts and to secure the safe evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies,” McCaul stated.

The broader effort by House Republicans aims to hold the Biden administration accountable for an operation that left many American citizens and Afghan allies stranded and resulted in significant casualties. With the investigation nearing its conclusion, an impending report is expected to place blame primarily on President Biden and Vice President Harris, while also highlighting bipartisan responsibility per independent watchdog findings.