Jill Biden's Staffers Feared Military Base Visits Amid Afghanistan Withdrawal Chaos, Book Claims

Aides to former First Lady Jill Biden expressed significant fear and sought to shield her from public criticism during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, according to an explosive new account.

An emergency call among staffers revealed a deep concern about conducting events at military bases following the Taliban's rapid advance and the subsequent fall of Kabul, Vanity Fair reported, citing journalist Azadeh Moaveni's forthcoming book, "The East Wing."

During the call, aides discussed pausing activities related to Joining Forces, Jill Biden's initiative dedicated to supporting military families, and avoiding any public engagements that could draw criticism or questions about the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan.

"They had a huge fear of doing anything at bases, they were just petrified," a former staffer told Vanity Fair. "Even though this was when military communities needed support."

The withdrawal, which marked the end of America's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan, was a deeply sensitive issue for veterans and military families. The fall of the Afghan government and the desperate scenes at Kabul airport raised painful questions about the sacrifices made during the conflict.

The situation was further exacerbated by a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed 13 American service members and scores of Afghan civilians.

While Jill Biden eventually resumed visits with service members and their families connected to the withdrawal, including a trip to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, these engagements were conducted with limited press coverage. The East Wing's decision to restrict media access was described as a notable departure from standard practice, meaning the First Lady's interactions did not receive widespread public attention.

The book further suggests that Jill Biden's office was hesitant to have her publicly address the fallout from the Taliban's return, particularly given her previous work with Afghan women students, which made the political developments particularly relevant to causes she had championed.

This account provides insight into the public relations challenges faced by the Biden White House during a critical foreign policy event. The administration had promised to end the war in Afghanistan, but the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the chaotic evacuation process drew significant criticism from Republicans. The White House, in turn, stated that it had inherited a complex situation shaped by the previous administration's agreement with the Taliban.