Biden spoke for about 18 minutes in the East Room of the White House and then left without taking questions. It marked the first time he had spoken publicly about Afghanistan in six days
* President Joe Biden cut his trip to Camp David short and returned to the White House Monday to deliver remarks on Afghanistan
* He defended his decision to bring home U.S. troops despite the Taliban's rapid capture of Kabul
* But he admitted that the rapid collapse unfolded much faster than anyone expected
* 'So what's happened? Afghanistan's political leaders gave up and fled the country,' he said
* But critics said it was not the decision to leave, but the manner of the abrupt departure that caused chaos
* Biden was originally supposed to stay at Camp David until Wednesday as part of an August vacation
* The trip triggered criticism that the commander was out of sight as Afghanistan crumbled into chaos
* He returned to the presidential retreat immediately after delivering his speech
President Joe Biden delivered a speech of quiet fury at the White House on Monday, defending his decision to bring home U.S. troops before blaming Afghan leaders for their failure to prevent the country collapsing.
'I stand squarely behind my decision,' Biden said. 'After 20 years I've learned the hard way. That there was never a good time to withdraw U.S. forces.'
It was the first time the president had spoken publicly about the unfolding crisis in six days.
He was forced to return from Camp David amid hostile headlines about his absence from Washington while Americans were being rescued from Kabul airport.
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WNU Editor: OMG!!!! President Biden is going back to Camp David to continue his vacation!!! The world is watching what he is doing. The optics and message that he is sending is beyond horrible.What is happening in Afghanistan will have global implications that will be with us for a long time. But going back to Camp David to be with family and friends is the priority.
It was also something to see how the press reacted when President Biden quickly finished his address and rushed out of the room without taking any questions. The bedlam and frustration that ensued was something to see and hear.
More News On President Biden Defending His Decision To Leave Afghanistan During Remarks At The White House
Biden says he stands ‘squarely behind’ Afghanistan decision -- AP
'I stand squarely behind my decision': Biden holds firm on Afghanistan drawdown -- Politico
Biden defends exit, blames Afghanistan leaders for chaos -- The Hill
Biden: 'I Do Not Regret My Decision' To Withdraw From Afghanistan -- NPR
'I stand squarely behind my decision': Biden defends handling of Afghanistan as Taliban seizes Kabul -- USA Today
Biden says "buck stops with me" and defends Afghanistan withdrawal -- CBS
Biden defends Afghanistan policy amid mounting criticism of withdrawal -- NBC
Biden says US will evacuate thousands of Americans from Afghanistan -- The Hill
