Staff Reports
Gold Star families, who are connected to the soldiers lost in the Kabul airport attack, have raised concerns about former White House press secretary Jen Psaki’s new book. The families have criticized Psaki for disputing the reports, photos, and testimonies showing President Biden looking at his watch several times during a ceremony honoring the 13 troops who died in Afghanistan.
Psaki’s book, “Say More Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World,” stated that President Biden did not check his watch during the ceremony. However, this assertion has sparked widespread disagreement from the families of the fallen soldiers and the public. The families have expressed their discontent with Psaki’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of honoring the memory of their loved ones truthfully.
In response to the backlash, the families have taken action by addressing Simon & Schuster, the publisher of Psaki’s book, and MSNBC, where Psaki is employed. They have urged these organizations to hold Psaki accountable for the misinformation presented in her book. The families have also emphasized the need for honesty and respect when discussing the sacrifices made by their family members in service to the country.
Despite initially defending her claims, Psaki has acknowledged the error in her book’s description of the ceremony and has committed to making appropriate corrections in future editions. The Gold Star families, including individuals like Darin Hoover and Mark Schmitz, who were present at the ceremony, have stood by their accounts of President Biden checking his watch, underscoring the emotional impact of his actions on the families.
The controversy surrounding Psaki’s statements has triggered a wave of reactions from the public and political figures. Representatives from both sides have expressed their disappointment with Psaki’s handling of the situation, with some labeling her response as an attempt to protect her former boss. This incident highlights the sensitive nature of honoring fallen soldiers and the importance of upholding truth and respect in recounting their sacrifices.
In conclusion, the uproar surrounding Psaki’s claims in her book serves as a reminder of the deep emotional impact that the actions of public figures can have on military families. The families of the fallen soldiers have made it clear that honesty and recognition of their loved ones’ sacrifices are paramount, and any misrepresentation of the facts will not go unchallenged.
