Biden vows U.S. will evacuate Afghans who assisted in war effort, tells Americans 'we will get you home'
![Joe Biden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V6pxTPYKz49ZEgyoHsRYNB-415-80.jpg)
President Biden while delivering remarks Friday on the ongoing evacuation effort in Afghanistan vowed to all Americans in the country, "We will get you home."
Speaking from the White House amid the chaos that has unfolded since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, Biden said the United States has evacuated about 13,000 people from the country since Aug. 14th amid "one of the largest, most difficult airlifts in history." He went on to promise, "Any American who wants to come home, we will get you home," vowing to "mobilize every resource necessary" in this effort and saying his administration is focused on ensuring that "every American who wants to leave can get to the airport."
The president also said the United States will be making this "same commitment" to those Afghans who assisted in the war effort. Biden said, though, that he "cannot promise what the final outcome" of the "dangerous" evacuation mission will be, or "that it will be without risk of loss." He also didn't commit to the evacuation being completed by the end of August.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"I think we can get it done by then," he said. "But we're gonna make that judgment as we go."
During his Friday press conference, Biden also continued to defend the United States' withdrawal amid criticism, asking, "What interest do we have in Afghanistan at this point with Al Qaeda gone?"
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Is British history something to be proud of?
Talking Point A sharp fall in the number of people praising our past might not be a bad thing
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Slow Horses, series four: 'swaggering' spy thriller returns
The Week Recommends Gary Oldman is 'impeccable' in one of the 'most consistent' shows on TV
By Ellie O'Mahoney, The Week UK Published
-
The UK's scams and fraud epidemic
The Explainer Record numbers are complaining they've fallen victim to online fraudsters
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Harris, Biden campaign together at union rally
Speed Read The sitting president and Democratic presidential nominee joined forces in battleground state Pennsylvania
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'Declines haven't happened in most places'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What will Joe Biden's legacy be?
Today's Big Question History is likely to be kind to outgoing president, but his time in office could still be defined by what happens in November election
By The Week UK Published
-
'The United States and other open societies must not be complacent'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Biden passes the torch to Harris on DNC's first night
Speed Read The president gave an emotional speech, citing his political efforts and urging voters to choose Kamala Harris
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden and Harris tout drug price cuts at joint rally
Speed Read The Democrats announced a deal with pharmaceutical companies to cut Medicare prices for 10 top-selling drugs
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published