As President Joe Biden continues his second week of vacation at his beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware, questions have arisen regarding his handling of presidential duties during this period.

While Biden enjoys another break close on the heels of a leisure stint in California, and the Oval Office remains empty, his administration has attempted to emphasize that he remains actively engaged in his role, managing key communications and decisions, as the Daily Mail reports.

During his time off, Biden has reportedly maintained his presidential responsibilities, including holding calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These discussions highlight his ongoing involvement in critical international matters, despite being away from the White House.

However, Biden’s vacation has also sparked criticism, especially as it coincides with the third anniversary of the Kabul airport bombing in Afghanistan. The attack, which took place on Aug. 26, 2021, claimed the lives of 13 American service members and over 100 Afghans, and it remains a sore point in Biden’s presidency.

Trump Honors Fallen Soldiers at Arlington Cemetery

On the anniversary of the Kabul bombing, former President Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute to the 13 American soldiers who lost their lives in the attack. Trump laid three wreaths and visited the graves of the fallen, a gesture that underscores his ongoing connection to military and veteran communities.

Trump was joined by two Marines who were injured in the 2021 bombing, adding a personal dimension to the solemn event. His visit comes as he continues to criticize Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which many view as a significant failure of the current administration.

“This is the third anniversary of the BOTCHED Afghanistan withdrawal, the most EMBARRASSING moment in the history of our Country,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some veterans and their families who feel that the Biden administration has not done enough to honor the sacrifices made during the conflict.

Controversy Over Afghanistan Withdrawal Persists

The Afghanistan withdrawal has been a contentious issue since it was executed in August 2021. The chaotic nature of the evacuation, coupled with the deadly attack at Abbey Gate outside of Kabul Airport, has led to ongoing criticism of Biden’s leadership during that period.

In response to these critiques, the Biden administration conducted an internal review, concluding that the evacuation should have started earlier. However, the review also placed some of the blame on former President Trump for the agreement made with the Taliban, which set the stage for the withdrawal.

Despite these findings, the issue remains divisive. Some families of the fallen American service members have spoken out publicly, particularly at the Republican National Convention last month, where they criticized Biden for not publicly naming their loved ones.

Vice President Harris Stays Active in Washington

As Biden remains on vacation, Vice President Kamala Harris has stayed active in Washington, D.C. Her next public event is scheduled for Wednesday, when she will travel to Georgia for a two-day campaign trip. Harris has also commented on the anniversary of the Kabul bombing, expressing her condolences to the families of the fallen.

“My prayers are with their families and loved ones. My heart breaks for their pain and their loss,” Harris stated. She has consistently defended the administration’s decision to end the war in Afghanistan, arguing that it was the right and courageous move, despite the challenges faced during the withdrawal.

Harris also emphasized the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism without deploying troops in combat zones. “Over the past three years, our Administration has demonstrated we can still eliminate terrorists, including the leaders of al-Qaeda and ISIS, without troops deployed into combat zones,” she said.

Biden’s Return to White House and Path Forward

Biden is scheduled to return to the White House after Labor Day weekend, marking the end of his two-week vacation. During his presidency, Biden has made 114 visits to Delaware, spanning 328 days, which has raised questions about his frequent absences from the White House.

Despite the criticism, the Biden administration remains firm in its defense of the president’s leadership during his time off. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that Biden is “very much in command,” even while on vacation, and that the president does not “unplug” from his duties.

Kirby also highlighted the administration’s ongoing support for the families of the fallen and those injured during the Afghanistan conflict. “Another way is to continue to work, maybe not with a lot of fanfare, maybe not with a lot of public attention, maybe not with TV cameras, but to work every day to make sure that the families of those of the fallen and of those who were injured and wounded, not just at Abbey Gate, but over the course of the 20 some odd years that we were in Afghanistan, had the support that they need,” Kirby said.

Conclusion: A Divisive Legacy and Ongoing Responsibilities

As Biden prepares to return to the White House, the legacy of the Afghanistan withdrawal continues to loom large over his presidency. The third anniversary of the Kabul bombing has reignited debates over the administration’s handling of the withdrawal, with both Biden and Trump using the occasion to reinforce their respective positions.

While Biden’s vacation has drawn scrutiny, his administration maintains that he remains fully engaged in his presidential duties. Meanwhile, Vice President Harris continues to represent the administration’s stance on the Afghanistan conflict, emphasizing the decision to end America’s longest war as both necessary and courageous.

As the country moves forward, the events of August 2021 will likely remain a focal point of discussion, with ongoing implications for both domestic politics and America’s role on the global stage.