Trump Delegates Afghanistan Troop Levels to Mattis – The Weekly Standard
President Trump has authorized his secretary of defense, James Mattis, to determine American troop levels in Afghanistan. Mattis confirmed this Wednesday morning in a hearing before the Senate Appropriations committee. "At noon yesterday, President Trump delegated to me the authority to manage troop numbers in Afghanistan," Mattis said.
The New York Times had reported Tuesday night that Trump had given Mattis that authority. "Mr. Mattis is believed to favor sending several thousand more American troops to strengthen the effort to advise Afghan forces as they push back against gains made by the Taliban, the Islamic State and other militant groups," reported the Times. "But officials said he had not yet decided how many more forces to send to Afghanistan, or when to deploy them."
During both the Obama and Bush administrations, Afghanistan troop levels were watched closely by the president and the White House. But while the policy is changing, Mattis told the Senate that there are no immediate plans to change troop levels. "The delegation of this authority, consistent with the authority President Trump granted me two months ago for Iraq and Syria, does not at this time change the troop numbers for Afghanistan," he said.
Mattis told the Senate Armed Services committee on Tuesday that the administration would have a new strategy on Afghanistan by mid-July. Last month the president's national security team presented a strategy proposal to Trump that would, among other changes, raise troop levels. Mattis and Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, are believed to be particularly strong advocates for the plan.
The White House has not said whether or not Mattis's "mid-July" promise is accurate or consistent with the president's timeline. "It is indeed what Mattis said," said one White House official.
Senate Passes Russia Sanctions, But White House Has No Position Yet
The Senate voted 97-2 Wednesday to pass a package of new sanctions against Russia. The two nays were Republicans Rand Paul and Mike Lee.
The Associated Press writes the sanctions were designed as a rebuke against Russia's interference in last November's presidential election. "The measure has been attached to a bill imposing penalties on Iran that the Senate is currently debating and also has strong support," reports the AP.
But the sanctions are also seen as a response the Trump administration's lack of admonishment for Russia. A White House official tells me the administration is still reviewing the sanctions amendment and will not take a position until after the House of Representatives considers it and the full bill makes it to the president's desk.
"The administration remains committed to existing sanctions against Russia and will keep them in place until Moscow fully honors its commitments to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. We believe that the existing executive-branch sanctions regime is the best tool for compelling Russia to fulfill its commitments," said the White House official. "In its current form, the legislation poses a number of risks to the administration's ability to conduct foreign policy. However, we are not opposed to tough legislation involving Russia sanctions. We remain committed to working with Congress on this issue."
White House Reacts to Scalise Shooting
The White House was relatively quiet Wednesday after the early-morning shooting in Alexandria, Virginia, that left five peopleincluding House majority whip Steve Scaliseinjured.
"The Vice President and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected," said President Trump in a statement issued shortly after the first news reports broke.
Later on Wednesday, the president spoke from the White House about the incident. "Congressman Steve Scalise, a member of House leadership, was shot and badly wounded, and is now in stable condition at the hospital, along with two very courageous Capitol police officers," Trump said.
The president singled out Scalise, the third-ranking member in the House of Representatives, calling him a "patriot and a fighter."
"Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers not only of the entire city behind you but of the entire nation and, frankly, the entire world," said Trump. "I spoke with Steve's wife, Jennifer, and I pledged to her our full and absolute support. Anything she needs."
Trump offered praise to the Capitol police, who were on the scene as part of Scalise's security detail. "Our brave Capitol police perform a challenging job with incredible skill. Their sacrifice makes democracy possible," said Trump. He also lauded the first responders in Alexandria, Virginia, where the group of congressmen and their aides were practicing for Thursday's charity baseball game against Democratic members of Congress.
The president closed with a message to the country. "We may have our differences, but we do well in times like these to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital serves because above all they love our country. We can all agree we are blessed to be Americans," he said.
Trump Disapproval at All-Time High
More Americans than ever disapprove of the job Donald Trump is doing as president. According to Gallup's daily approval metric, Trump's disapproval rate hit 60 percent for the first time on Tuesdaya worse rating than Gallup ever recorded for FDR, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, or Barack Obama. Meanwhile, the percentage of Americans who approve of Trump's performance shrunk to 37 percent.
Trump's weekly approval rating is also trending downward, polling at 41 percent, 38 percent, and 37 percent over the last three weeks.
One explanation for the slide could be the president's highly publicized fight with fired FBI director James Comey. Trump and Comey have each accused the other of lying about the nature of their relationship in the early months of the administration. A Politico poll released on Wednesday reports that 45 percent of voters trust Comey's version of events, while only 32 percent trust Trump's.
Despite Trump's slipping ratings, his own party appears to be sticking with him: 81 percent of Republican voters still approve of his job performance, according to the poll.
Visit link:
Trump Delegates Afghanistan Troop Levels to Mattis - The Weekly Standard
- 'Welcome to Afghanistan': Shocking tourism promo urging Americans to visit the country goes viral - Hindustan Times - Hindustan Times - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Trump dishes on Milley clash over leaving military equipment in Afghanistan: 'I knew he was an idiot' - Fox News - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Russia becomes the first country to recognize Taliban's rule in Afghanistan - NBC News - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the issuance of arrest warrants in the Situation in Afghanistan - | International Criminal Court - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Following decades in Iran, 'there's nothing left' for millions of Afghan migrants in Afghanistan - France 24 - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- 45-year-old man in Afghanistan married a 6-year-old child: the Taliban's reaction was swift - - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Welcome to Afghanistan': This could be the most bizarre tourism video ever - Stuff - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- The Hairdressers Story: Exile, Loss, and a Forced Return to Afghanistan - 8am.media - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- ICC expresses sadness at the passing of Afghanistan umpire Bismillah Jan Shinwari - ICC - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- UN adopts resolution on Afghanistan's Taliban rule over US objections - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Will Pakistan Be Next to Recognise Taliban Rule in Afghanistan After Russia? - Times Now - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first nation to recognize Taliban government of Afghanistan since 2021 takeover - CNN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- India abstains from UNGA resolution on Afghanistan, calls for coordinated global efforts against terrorism - News On AIR - - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Experts: Russia Recognizing Taliban Rule in Afghanistan Largely a Symbolic Move - The Moscow Times - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Pakistan warns UN of escalating terror threat from Afghanistan - Dawn - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan. The Taliban are eager to welcome them - The Seattle Times - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Troops kill 30 militants trying to get into Pakistan from Afghanistan - Euronews - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Trump News | 'Afghanistan Maybe The Most Embarrassing Moment In The History Of US': Donald Trump - NDTV - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Afghanistan Emerges as a New Frontier for Adventure Tourism: A Blend of Promise and Challenges - Travel And Tour World - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Afghanistan: A Hidden Gem That Deserves to Be Seen Up Close - Vocal - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Russia Becomes First Nation To Recognize Taliban-Led Afghanistan - The Media Line - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Russia is the first country to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan - Commonspace.eu - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Russia Becomes First State to Recognise Taliban Government of Afghanistan - UNITED24 Media - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first country to officially recognise Taliban in Afghanistan - bne IntelliNews - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- The Unexpected Consequences of War Between Iran and Israel on Afghanistan - The Diplomat Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Russia is the first country in the world to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan - - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Sanctioned Businessman With Kremlin Ties Returns To Afghanistan - - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Pak security forces kill 30 terrorists trying to infiltrate from Afghanistan - Deccan Herald - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia Becomes First Country to Recognize Afghanistans Taliban Government - The New York Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia Is First Country to Recognize Taliban Rule in Afghanistan - The Daily Beast - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Troops kill 30 militants attempting to sneak into Pakistan from Afghanistan - AP News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Taliban praise Russias brave decision to recognise their rule in Afghanistan - The Guardian - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first country to recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government - France 24 - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- News - Pace Thanks Troops in Afghanistan, Notes Signs of Progress - DVIDS - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia becomes the first country to formally recognize Talibans latest rule in Afghanistan - AP News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Troops kill 30 militants attempting to sneak into Pakistan from Afghanistan - WRAL.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- News - Army Reservist to Receive Silver Star for Heroism in Afghanistan - DVIDS - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first nation to formally recognize Taliban-led government in Afghanistan - LiveNOW from FOX - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Hillsdale veteran Greg Whalen reflects on Afghanistan withdrawal through his music - Hillsdale Daily News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia Becomes 1st Country To Recognise Taliban Government Of Afghanistan - NDTV - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- China Hails Russias Decision To Recognize Taliban Rule In Afghanistan; Will Beijing Follow Suit? - EurAsian Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia Becomes First Nation to Recognise Taliban Rule in Afghanistan - The Wire India - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first country to recognize Taliban government in Afghanistan - Trkiye Today - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia the first to recognise Taliban government in Afghanistan - BBC - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan - The Indian Express - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia officially recognises the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan - 5Pillars - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia First to Officially Recognize Taliban Government in Afghanistan - - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Russia becomes first nation to formally recognize Taliban rule in Afghanistan - all details here - Mint - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Pakistan army kills 30 militants trying to cross from Afghanistan: Here's all we know - WION - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Kremlin's new stance: Russia first to officially recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government; will foster - Times of India - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Tourists Are Trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban Government Is Eager to Welcome Them - Military.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Afghanistan: First-Hand Accounts Expose Torture by Taliban Intelligence Services - World Organisation Against Torture | OMCT - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Flight to freedom: A pilot's journey from the fall of Afghanistan to fighting fires in America - Fairfield Sun Times - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Building crutches, walkers, and stretchers from scratch in Afghanistan - Doctors Without Borders - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Russia to host seventh round of Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan this fall - Amu TV - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Earthquake of magnitude 3.9 strikes Afghanistan; third since June 28 - Business Standard - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- US Travelers Join The Surge In Foreign Visitors To Afghanistan, With The Taliban Government Eager To Capitalize On Tourism For Economic Revival -... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them - dailyrecordnews.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Afghanistan: Surging returns from Iran overwhelm fragile support systemsThe European Sting is Your democratic, independent and top quality political... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Hengaw Organization for Human Rights: 40 Citizens of Afghanistan Executed in Iran Over the Past Six Months - Hasht-e Subh Daily - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Heavy rainfall triggers fatal flash floods in Maidan Wardak and Logar, Afghanistan - The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transform - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Earthquake of magnitude 4.9 jolts Afghanistan - Times of India - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- The UN mission for Afghanistan has warned that the influx of deportees risks further destabilising the crisis-wracked country - IslanderNews.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them - Temple Daily Telegram - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Russia to hold 7th Moscow Format Talks on Afghanistan This Fall - Khaama Press - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Record 256,000 migrants returned to Afghanistan from Iran in June IOM - Daily Excelsior - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Pakistan, Afghanistan no longer part of World Banks South Asia region; Johannes Zutt to be new head | Today News - Mint - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them - AP News - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Tourists trickling back into Afghanistan; Taliban eager to welcome them - Tribune India - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Crossing The Divides: Chinas Gamble To Bring CPEC To Afghanistan OpEd - Eurasia Review - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them - Bluefield Daily Telegraph - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan; Taliban govt eager to welcome them - Telangana Today - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Uzbekistan dispatch: is this country what Afghanistan might have been, or still could be? - JURIST Legal News - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- UN Women: 80 Percent of Young Women in Afghanistan Denied Access to Education and Employment - Hasht-e Subh Daily - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Surge in Deportations from Iran: Over 88,000 Afghanistan Citizens Repatriated in Less Than a Week - Hasht-e Subh Daily - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Afghanistan Has Become Safe Haven For Terror Groups Again, Says US Congressman Bill Huizenga - Free Press Journal - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Access to emergency, critical and operative care in Afghanistan: Perspectives from Afghan people in 11 provinces - ReliefWeb - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Poland, Ukraine, Japan, US, Afghanistan and Iraq Witness Explosive Rise in Dark Tourism as Youth Seek Powerful and Haunting Travel Experiences -... - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]