Staff Reports
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is facing scrutiny from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) for her role in President Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal. McCaul sent a letter to Psaki’s legal counsel, reiterating a request for her to participate in a transcribed interview with the committee regarding the withdrawal.
McCaul emphasized that Psaki, as the White House Press Secretary at the time, was responsible for communicating the details of the withdrawal to the American people and possesses crucial insights into the planning and decision-making process. He also expressed concern over Psaki’s recent memoir, which he claimed included false information related to the Afghanistan withdrawal, including a claim about President Biden’s actions during a ceremony for U.S. servicemembers killed in the withdrawal.
Jen Psaki's Book Lands Her in More Hot Water https://t.co/0kUAvOC1cx
— Spencer Brown (@itsSpencerBrown) May 22, 2024
McCaul criticized Psaki for profiting from the Afghanistan tragedy by publishing a memoir but refusing to make herself available to Congress for the investigation. He highlighted that the committee had faced obstacles in obtaining the necessary information from other entities and individuals, and Psaki’s testimony was crucial to completing the investigation.
Furthermore, McCaul pointed out that his request for Psaki’s testimony followed standard precedent, including established practices during the Biden administration. He expressed his frustration with Psaki’s refusal to participate in the interview and offered her three dates for the interview, with a response deadline of May 28.
McCaul emphasized the committee’s determination to ensure that Psaki participates in the investigation and suggested that they would use all available tools to achieve this goal.
