President Biden's actions during a solemn military ceremony spark controversy among grieving families.

According to the New York Post, multiple family members of Marines killed in Afghanistan claim President Biden made them wait for hours while he napped on Air Force One during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base.

The incident occurred during a ceremony meant to honor 13 American soldiers killed in a Taliban terrorist attack at Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate in Afghanistan on August 26.

Family members, including Roice McCollum, sister of fallen Marine Rylee McCollum, were among those who shared their experiences of the delayed ceremony.

Military Families Express Deep Disappointment

Roice McCollum shared details about the delay, revealing that a military officer informed her about Biden's nap on the plane. The families had to endure an extended wait while preparations were made for the President's appearance.

Multiple family members corroborated this account, expressing their dismay at what they perceived as disrespect toward their fallen loved ones.

Darin Hoover, father of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, and Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee confirmed the extended wait. Their frustration was evident in their statements to the media, with Hoover stating: "We sat in that office for what seemed like an eternity waiting on the doddering old fool."

The White House has firmly denied these allegations through their spokesperson. The administration maintains their commitment to honoring the fallen soldiers and their families, emphasizing the president's respect for their sacrifice.

Controversial Watch Check Adds to Family Distress

Biden faced additional criticism for checking his watch during the dignified transfer ceremony. This gesture was captured on camera and widely reported, leading to increased tension between the administration and military families. The incident became a point of contention when White House allies attempted to deny its occurrence.

The ceremony took place against the backdrop of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, which many consider a significant setback in Biden's presidency.

The airport attack resulted in the deaths of not only 13 American service members but also claimed the lives of more than 170 Afghans.

The White House continues to defend the president's actions and commitment to honoring fallen service members. A spokesperson emphasized Biden's ongoing dedication to the families, referencing his statements on the fourth anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack.

White House Defense and Official Response

The Biden administration has mounted a strong defense against these allegations. Their official response included a comprehensive statement highlighting the president's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

A White House spokesperson directly addressed the claims, stating that the allegations about the president napping were untrue. They referenced Biden's previous statements and letters to family members, emphasizing his view of the fallen service members as "patriots in the highest sense."

The administration continues to maintain that they are working to fulfill what they describe as a "sacred debt" to the fallen soldiers and their families. This stance reflects their broader position on military family support and veteran affairs.

Path Forward After Controversial Ceremony

President Biden's actions during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base created tension with military families who lost loved ones in the Kabul airport attack.

The families' claims about waiting hours due to the president's reported nap and his controversial watch-checking gesture added to their grief and disappointment.

The incident occurred within the context of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, where 13 U.S. service members and over 170 Afghans lost their lives in a terrorist attack. Despite the White House's firm denials and statements of support for military families, the controversy continues to reflect the complex relationship between the administration and the families of fallen service members.