Staff Reports
The White House has just added another entry in its ever-growing list of self-inflicted wounds by firing Retired Brig. Gen. Susan K. Escallier, who, according to the administration, was the mastermind behind a controversial plea deal for those responsible for the September 11, 2021, terrorist attacks. Somehow, this appears to be the Biden administration’s attempt to deflect attention from the monumental backlash it has faced, most notably due to the shocking decision to eliminate the death penalty for several terrorists involved in one of the darkest chapters of American history.
The outrage hit a fever pitch when it became evident that the plea deal would allow these terrorists to skate away from the ultimate punishment for their heinous crime—murdering 2,976 innocent people—all in exchange for a plea of guilty and a life sentence at most. A trade-off that would make even the most seasoned negotiator raise an eyebrow. The administration was not prepared for the firestorm that erupted, and now it seems to be pointing fingers in a classic case of “don’t look at me, look at the other guy.”
White House terminates senior official claimed to be responsible for 9/11 terrorist plea deal – Conservative Institute https://t.co/bGCoh9Dz5v
— Raymond Richardson (@Bubbadogg69) August 5, 2024
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin announced the termination of Escallier just days after this powder keg of controversy ignited. He took the opportunity to personally rescind the plea deal, claiming that he needed to take responsibility as the “superior convening authority” under the Military Commissions Act of 2009. It appears that within the Biden administration, playing hot potato with blame has become the preferred pastime—no surprises there.
Timing couldn’t be worse for the White House. With an election year looming on the horizon and the scent of impending doom in the air, the backlash from the public—particularly those families affected by the attacks—has been deafening. Congress has even decided to jump into the fray, launching an investigation into the administration’s handling of the original plea deal. One can only imagine the scenes unfolding on Capitol Hill as beleaguered Democrats attempt to disentangle themselves from this mess, while Republicans hoot like hawks eyeing a juicy meal.
The cancellation of the plea deal seems to be an attempt to put out the fire before it becomes an inferno, but it is unclear whether this move will appease the public or sidestep the investigative scrutiny that has now been cast on the White House. One must wonder—was Escallier simply a scapegoat serving a much larger political agenda, or was this a desperate scramble to present an alternative narrative? Either way, the Biden administration’s strategy of backtracking is reminiscent of a loony sitcom—full of missteps, poor judgment, and just enough absurdity to make one laugh… or weep, depending on one’s perspective.
