Investigator Resigns

By
Rachel Stevenson
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Hey folks, there’s some significant news coming out of Washington, D.C., that’s stirring up quite a bit of controversy.

On Monday, Jerry Dunleavy, an author and investigator, announced that he has resigned from his position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s investigation into the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. And let me tell you, his departure is making waves.

Dunleavy had been deeply involved in the probe into what many see as a catastrophic withdrawal, and he didn’t hold back when explaining why he’s stepping away. In a strongly worded resignation letter shared on social media, he pointed the finger directly at Committee Chair Michael McCaul. According to Dunleavy, McCaul failed to hold the Biden administration accountable for the chaos and loss of life during the August 2021 withdrawal.

In his letter, Dunleavy expressed his deep frustration, accusing the committee of not doing enough to get answers for the American people, particularly the Gold Star families affected by the Abbey Gate bombing. He criticized the committee for not aggressively pursuing documents, witnesses, and the tough questions necessary to fully investigate the situation. Dunleavy feels strongly that the committee’s actions—or lack thereof—have been a disservice to those who deserve accountability.

As posted on Red State:

While the Committee’s investigation has indeed unearthed further evidence detailing the Biden-Harris Admin’s responsibility for the horrific events of August 2021 & for the dangerous global fallout which followed, McCaul & his team have also been derelict in their duty to pursue answers for the Abbey Gate Gold Star families, to seek the proper documents, to bring in the proper witnesses, to ask the tough questions, to fully pursue the truth without fear or favor, & to do everything in the Committee’s power to ensure that a deadly humiliation like this never happens again. McCaul & the Committee made promises to the Abbey Gate Gold Star families & to the American public at large — & those promises simply have not been kept.

I did not come lightly to this decision to resign & to blow the whistle publicly, but I could not be a part of this sham any longer & my conscience simply will not allow me to be silent — after a year of pushing the Committee to do the right thing & to run a serious investigation that relentlessly searches for the truth, it has become undeniably clear to me that McCaul & his team are unwilling to take even the most basic steps necessary to ensure that President Biden, VP Harris, & all the top Biden-Harris diplomatic & national security & military leaders are made to answer for the horrors which unfolded & continue to unfold in Afghanistan & around the world. The Committee’s disappointing lack of courage & lack of moral clarity just cannot go unremarked.

Dunleavy’s resignation isn’t just a quiet exit; it’s a full-blown protest. He’s accusing the committee of “investigative paralysis,” claiming that his efforts to dig deeper into the failures surrounding the withdrawal were consistently blocked by senior staff. He also took aim at the lack of accountability for top officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who he believes played a significant role in the decisions made during the withdrawal.

One of the most striking parts of Dunleavy’s letter is his criticism of how key figures, like Zalmay Khalilzad, were handled during the investigation. Khalilzad, who was the Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation, was responsible for negotiating with the Taliban. Dunleavy alleges that Khalilzad was given a pass during the hearings and even describes a moment where a senior investigator asked for a selfie with Khalilzad right after his testimony—while veterans and Gold Star families watched from the audience. That, folks, is a moment that speaks volumes.

Now, the committee, led by McCaul, isn’t taking these accusations lying down. A spokesperson for McCaul, Emily Cassil, defended the committee’s work, highlighting the numerous interviews and hearings that have taken place. She assured that McCaul is committed to getting answers and that an expansive report is on the way, which will be just the next step in their ongoing investigation.

But here’s the thing: Dunleavy’s resignation and his public airing of grievances have raised serious questions about whether the committee is truly committed to holding those responsible for the Afghanistan withdrawal accountable. As this story unfolds, it’s clear that the political fallout from that disastrous event is far from over. So stay tuned because there’s bound to be more to come.

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