House Committee Subpoenas Secretary Blinken Over Afghanistan Withdrawal

The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee issued a subpoena to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding his testimony on the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Blinken's refusal to testify on proposed dates led to the subpoena. Chairman McCaul criticized Blinken's unavailability and alleged he was the final decision-maker on the withdrawal.

The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding his appearance to testify on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

In a letter issued with the subpoena, Chairman Michael McCaul mandated that Blinken appear before the committee on September 19 or face contempt charges. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded, stating Blinken could not testify on the proposed dates but has provided alternative options to comply with McCaul's request.

McCaul criticized the lack of good faith engagement from Blinken, noting his prior testimonies and the extensive records provided by the State Department. The subpoena adds to the highly politicized debate over the Afghanistan pullout, intensified by former President Trump's recent involvement in memorial activities for fallen servicemembers.

(With inputs from agencies.)