On Monday night, President Trump expressed further commitment to the war in Afghanistan in a speech to the nation, according to The Washington Post. While this wasn’t the president’s original plan, he’s definitely sticking to it.
“I share the American people’s frustration. I also share their frustration over a foreign policy that has spent too much time, energy, money—and, most importantly, lives—trying to rebuild countries in our own image instead of pursuing our security interests above all other considerations,” Trump said. So, wouldn’t that mean reducing the number of troops in Afghanistan? Nope! Trump has learned, in his words, that “decisions are much different when you sit behind the desk of the Oval Office.” You can say that again!
His decision now is to increase the amount of troops, but not give “unlimited support” in that area. The full transcript of the speech can be read at NPR, but the most important point is that an estimated 4,000 more troops would have to go overseas. That estimate came from congressional officials—not from Trump himself. All he’ll say is that he wants a plan for national security rather than prioritizing the Afghan people.
Not sure how this doesn’t prioritize Afghanistan even more…but it’s a plan nonetheless.
He also took the opportunity to talk patriotism and unity in the wake of the Charlottesville and Boston protests. “When one citizen suffers an injustice, we all suffer together,” Trump said. I might know a citizen or two who doesn’t want your sympathy, Mr. President.