President Donald Trump intensified criticism of his predecessor, suggesting Biden intentionally let Afghanistan fall through rushed withdrawal policies that brought “totally unvetted and unchecked” Afghan nationals to America. The remarks followed Wednesday’s shooting near the White House that killed National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom.
Trump shared images on Truth Social showing hundreds of Afghans crowded inside military planes during the 2021 evacuation. He called it a “horrendous airlift” and vowed to “fix it.” The President blamed Biden’s “Operation Allies Welcome” for allowing roughly 77,000 Afghans into the country without proper screening.
“This is part of the horrendous airlift from Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands of people poured into our Country totally unvetted and unchecked. We will fix it, but will never forget what Crooked Joe Biden and his Thugs did to our Country!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/vAkEyrIo4o
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 28, 2025
Twenty-nine-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in 2021, allegedly shot two National Guard members on Wednesday afternoon at 2:15 pm. First, he targeted Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, shooting her in the chest and head. Subsequently, he struck Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, before a third guard neutralized him.
Beckstrom, from Summersville, West Virginia, died from her injuries Thursday morning. She had served since June 2023 with the 863rd Military Police Company. Meanwhile, Wolfe remained in critical condition. Trump described the attack as a “terrorist attack” during his Thanksgiving address.
In response, Trump announced sweeping immigration changes. He will “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries” to allow America’s system to recover. Additionally, the President plans to terminate millions of Biden-era admissions and remove anyone who isn’t a “net asset” to America.
Furthermore, Trump vowed to end all federal benefits for noncitizens. He also promised to denaturalize migrants who “undermine domestic tranquility” and deport foreign nationals deemed security risks. These measures aim to achieve what he calls “reverse migration.”
US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow implemented immediate policy changes. USCIS will conduct rigorous re-examination of every Green Card from countries of concern. The new guidance affects 19 high-risk nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Moreover, immigration officers can now consider country-specific factors as significant negative elements during application reviews. Edlow stated that the Biden administration “spent four years dismantling basic vetting standards.” Conversely, the Trump administration prioritizes safety over rapid resettlement.
Lakanwal had served alongside US military forces in Afghanistan’s 01 Unit. This unit was established, trained, and equipped by American intelligence, according to Taliban government sources. After withdrawal, he resettled in Bellingham, Washington, despite having worked with CIA operations.
When questioned about Lakanwal’s previous vetting and CIA connection, Trump dismissed concerns saying the person “went cuckoo” and “went nuts.” He added such incidents happen “too often with these people.”
Trump claimed America’s foreign population reaches 53 million people. Many receive welfare benefits, come from failed nations, or have criminal backgrounds. According to Trump, a migrant earning $30,000 annually receives approximately $50,000 in yearly family benefits.
The President also criticized specific communities. He stated hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees are “completely taking over” Minnesota. Additionally, he attacked Congresswoman Ilhan Omar regarding her immigration status and loyalty.
In conclusion, Trump’s assertion that Biden intentionally let Afghanistan fall through careless policies has triggered comprehensive immigration reform. The administration now prioritizes national security over humanitarian concerns following this tragic incident.
