House lawmakers have taken formal steps to compel Secretary of State Antony Blinken to testify about the Biden administration’s 2021 chaotic and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, issuing a subpoena over his alleged refusal to cooperate voluntarily.

The subpoena was issued in the wake of multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure Blinken’s appearance before the Committee, according to its chairman, Michael McCaul (R-TX), as Fox News reports, representing a development that may be of real concern to the White House.

On Tuesday, McCaul sent a letter to Blinken with the subpoena attached. The letter requested Blinken's appearance before the Committee on Sept. 19.

McCaul emphasized that the Committee has been investigating the details surrounding the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal for several months and has yet to receive meaningful cooperation from Blinken or the State Department.

McCaul's Frustration with State Department's Response

The chairman had initially requested Blinken’s testimony in May, scheduling the hearing to coincide with the release of the Committee’s investigation report into the Afghanistan withdrawal. However, according to McCaul, the State Department did not provide a firm date for Blinken's testimony, despite repeated attempts to coordinate his appearance.

In his letter accompanying the subpoena, McCaul expressed frustration, writing, “The Committee is holding this hearing because the Department of State was central to the Afghanistan withdrawal and served as the senior authority during the August non-combatant evacuation operation.” He also stressed that Blinken was in a unique position to inform the Committee about the circumstances of the withdrawal, adding that Blinken's testimony could help shape future reforms.

Criticism Surrounding the Afghanistan Withdrawal

The 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, carried out under the Biden administration, resulted in the swift return of the Taliban to power and marked the end of the United States’ 20-year presence in the country. The evacuation of U.S. personnel and Afghan allies was marked by chaos, culminating in a suicide bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, which killed 13 U.S. service members.

Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have been vocal in their criticism of President Biden’s handling of the withdrawal. Trump, who visited Arlington National Cemetery last month to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen service members, blamed the Biden administration for the deaths.

"The parents of the deceased service members 'lost a child because of Biden and because of Kamala,'" Trump told podcaster Lex Fridman, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Blinken's Role and Potential Consequences

According to current and former State Department officials, Blinken was the final decision-maker in the withdrawal and evacuation process, further heightening the importance of his testimony. McCaul has argued that understanding the decisions made by Blinken and other senior officials during the operation is essential for shaping future policies to avoid similar crises.

McCaul also highlighted that the Committee is considering legislation aimed at addressing potential flaws in the State Department’s decision-making process. "You are therefore in a position to inform the Committee’s consideration of potential legislation aimed at helping prevent the catastrophic mistakes of the withdrawal," McCaul wrote to Blinken.

State Department’s Response

In response to the subpoena, the State Department expressed disappointment over the Committee's decision to issue a legal order rather than continuing discussions. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, said, "It is disappointing that instead of continuing to engage with the Department in good faith, the Committee instead has issued yet another unnecessary subpoena."

Miller added that the Department had been cooperating with the Committee's investigation, suggesting that the subpoena may not have been warranted.

Despite this, the House Foreign Affairs Committee remains firm in its position. If Blinken does not comply with the subpoena, the Committee could pursue contempt of Congress charges. The conflict between the Committee and the State Department represents another layer of scrutiny for the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from both political parties over the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Conclusion

The House Foreign Affairs Committee’s subpoena of Secretary of State Antony Blinken marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

Chairman Michael McCaul has emphasized the importance of Blinken’s testimony in understanding the decisions that led to the chaotic exit from Afghanistan. The situation has drawn criticism from Republicans, including former President Trump, who continue to hold President Biden responsible for the deaths of U.S. service members during the evacuation.

The subpoena sets the stage for a potential showdown on Sept. 19, when Blinken is expected to appear before the Committee. If he fails to comply, the Committee may pursue further legal action.

The outcome of this investigation could have lasting implications for the State Department and future U.S. foreign policy decisions.