Joe Biden slammed as Gold Star dad Steve Nikoui highlights botched Afghan withdrawal after SOTU arrest

WASHINGTON, DC: Steve Nikoui, the father of one of the Marines killed in the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during President Joe Biden's evacuation of Afghanistan, made headlines after his emotional outburst during the president's State of the Union address last week.

In an interview with Fox News' 'Hannity', Nikoui revealed that his outburst was unplanned but stemmed from his frustration over Biden's failure to acknowledge his son's sacrifice.

Disappointment Over Lack of Recognition

"I was looking at this spectacle that I was seeing below me, and I was listening to him, and I was praying, hoping that maybe at some point prior to this that he had mentioned Afghanistan [and] our kids, because all the Gold Star parents were thinking that that might be a possibility, and it wasn't happening," Nikoui said Monday, March 11.

"And then as soon as he said something about kids and then something about being safe – I don't even know what I did… I just jumped up, and I said, ‘Do you remember Abbey Gate?’ – It was like the Lord convicted me. The Holy Spirit got in me, and when I did it, I paused. I was like, ‘Oh, what did I do?’" he recounted.

Despite facing charges of "crowd obstructing or incommoding" for his actions, Nikoui remained unapologetic. "Because I've been waiting three years for this man (Biden) to say my son's name in this chamber – and he never did," he said. "But on this day – on this day – his name was said."

The incident at the State of the Union reignited criticism of Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, particularly his failure to honor the fallen service members.

Biden's mispronunciation of Laken Riley's name, referring to her as "Lincoln Riley," and his perceived lack of empathy, as seen in the footage of him checking his watch during the dignified transfer of the remains, further fueled public outrage.

Nikoui also took aim at then-top military officers, Gen Kenneth Frank McKenzie and Gen Mark Milley, calling for accountability and transparency regarding the withdrawal.

The upcoming congressional hearing on March 19, chaired by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, aims to address concerns surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Acknowledging the efforts of lawmakers like Rep Mast, Rep Darrell Issa, Rep Michael Waltz, and Rep Cory Mills, Nikoui emphasized the importance of keeping attention on the loss of life during the evacuation.

During his appearance on 'Hannity', Rep Issa echoed Nikoui's sentiments, criticizing Biden for failing to acknowledge the sacrifice of the fallen service members adequately.

"One of the reasons that there's no closure is there's never been a real acknowledgment by this president," Issa remarked. "He'll talk about Beau's death, but he won't talk about these 13 [servicemembers] or how we keep it from happening again and again."

The emotional toll of losing a loved one to the Afghanistan withdrawal was further highlighted by Nikoui's mention of Dakota Halverson, who tragically took his own life after struggling with the loss of his brother-in-arms, Kareem Nikoui.

Reflecting on the impact of Biden's presidency, Nikoui lamented, "It's been devastating for his mother. It's been devastating for his siblings… and the effect of this president. Just like [former Trump speechwriter] Stephen Miller said -- this is a reactionary president."

"The poor Riley family – they're killing my kid, they're killing their kid. And what are you going to do, America? You're going to wait till they kill your kid? Because you know [Biden] is a bumper car hitting everything on his way out, and the only one that's going to be left to pick up the pieces is us," he added.

In 2022, Cpl Nikoui was honored with a bill from Rep Ken Calvert (R-California) renaming his hometown post office in his memory, Fox News reported.

Social Media Reactions

Biden was widely criticized on social media following Nikoui's outburst.

"This is so wrong! Mr [Nikoui] has a right to his opinion. And the freedom to say what he thinks. It’s also the truth!! Biden belongs in prison along with a bunch of others!!" one commented on Facebook.

"Our country is in such a bad way right now. I pray that he does not get reelected. For everyone that voted for Biden, here you go. This is what he has done to our country. Sending prayers to the families. My heart breaks for them," another wrote.

"I am tired of this being called heckling. He reminded Biden of what he did and the cost of the withdrawal. That isn’t heckling and is protected under the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution," someone else added.

"This president has no thoughts or feelings for anyone except for himself or his son, which would have been different if it were his son, this family was visited by Trump like Biden should have done. When will people who vote for Biden learn what he is? Vote Trump," another offered.