Trump Leads Wave Of Tributes For 13 Service Members Killed During Botched Afghanistan Exit

Many paid tribute on Tuesday to the 13 American service members who were killed four years earlier in the terrorist attack at Abbey Gate — and President Donald Trump led the charge.

The attack was carried out by ISIS-K terrorists on August 26, 2021, and targeted the chaos and crowds at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan — chaos that might have been avoided altogether if President Joe Biden had not so badly botched the plan to end the war and evacuate American service members, civilians, and allies.

Trump had announced one day prior that Tuesday would be set aside as a day to commemorate the loss of those 13 — Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, USMC; Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, USMC; Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, USMC; Corporal Hunter Lopez, USMC; Corporal Daegan W. Page, USMC; Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, USMC; Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, USMC; Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, USMC; Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, USMC; Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, USMC; Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, USMC; Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, USN; and Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, USA.

WATCH:

Fourth Anniversary of the Attack at Abbey Gate

“This is a very special group of people… Abbey Gate. It’s the four-year anniversary, so we’re signing a proclamation honoring them and honoring you and your loved one.” – President Donald J. Trump ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8cMOCMKA6d

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 26, 2025

“Four years ago today, we lost 13 American heroes at Abbey Gate. After the previous administration failed to deliver justice for the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones in Kabul, the Trump Administration took swift action to capture and extradite the ISIS-K terrorist responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted. “@POTUS will ALWAYS stand with Gold Star families and our fallen heroes.”

Four years ago today, we lost 13 American heroes at Abbey Gate.

After the previous administration failed to deliver justice for the Gold Star families who lost their loved ones in Kabul, the Trump Administration took swift action to capture and extradite the ISIS-K terrorist…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) August 26, 2025

America will forever remember the 13 service members we lost at Abbey Gate.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22… pic.twitter.com/JO9sCJh3gL

— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) August 26, 2025

“Today, we honor the 13 U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, four years ago. Their courage, sacrifice, and service will never be forgotten. May God bless our heroes,” the Republican Party posted.

Today, we honor the 13 U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, four years ago.

Their courage, sacrifice, and service will never be forgotten. May God bless our heroes. pic.twitter.com/aM9FeGaTGp

— GOP (@GOP) August 26, 2025

VA Secretary Doug Collins added, “Four years after 13 brave Americans fell at Abbey Gate, we stand united to honor their memory, support their families, and renew our resolve to serve those who defend liberty around the globe.”

Four years after 13 brave Americans fell at Abbey Gate, we stand united to honor their memory, support their families, and renew our resolve to serve those who defend liberty around the globe. https://t.co/05sY3LWP2X

— VA Secretary Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) August 26, 2025

.@RepTroyDowning is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

He will never forget the 13 American heroes killed at Abbey Gate. pic.twitter.com/EUco9DnlEi

— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) August 26, 2025

“Today, we remember the 13 American service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey Gate. They will never be forgotten,” the Senate Republicans added.

Today, we remember the 13 American service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey Gate.

They will never be forgotten.

— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) August 26, 2025

“Four years ago, thirteen American service members gave their lives during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We owe it to them and every warrior who wears the uniform to ensure that something like this never happens again.”

Four years ago, thirteen American service members gave their lives during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We owe it to them and every warrior who wears the uniform to ensure that something like this never happens again. pic.twitter.com/NpRzlLzNkk

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) August 26, 2025