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White House press secretary Jen Psaki was caught off guard during the daily press briefing when she was asked about a group of California students trapped in Afghanistan.
Psaki was asked on Wednesday if she was aware of an LA Times report that a group of students and their parents from California’s El Cajon Valley school district are currently stranded in Afghanistan.
PSAKI ASKS THAT AMERICANS ARE NOT ‘STRANDED’ IN AFGHANISTAN IN HUMAN EXCHANGE
The reporter asked, “The LA Times has a story that a group of students and their parents are in Afghanistan. Do you have more information on this or is it?
” I do not do it. Who recently traveled to Afghanistan? Psaki said in response, sounding confused about the report.
The reporter noted that the students and their families are “apparently stranded in Afghanistan, after traveling there? I don’t know, I’m not sure.”
Psaki then replied, “I certainly don’t have any additional information on this. I know, as our Secretary of State just noted, when he reviewed a comprehensive summary of American citizens and our contacts and from our focus over the last few days he has given an update. I am happy to take their information if there is anything more detailed to be had. “
Psaki’s response at the briefing surprised congressional advocates of American citizens trapped in Kabul.
AMERICAN MOTHER TRAPPED BY THE TALIBAN DESCRIBES HORRIFIC VIOLENCE AND ADVOCATES BIDEN TO RESOLVE THE EVACUATION PROCESS
Fox News has learned that Representative Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Who represents California’s 50th district where the El Cajon Valley School District is located, has informed the White House, the Pentagon and the State Department of the fate. of trapped American children, students and parents, in recent days.
“Jen Psaki said in a previous briefing to contact the White House with the names of stranded US citizens… that’s what we did,” said Jonathan Wilcox, Issa’s communications director.
Issa’s office has been in contact with citizens who are having incredible difficulty getting through Taliban checkpoints and through the gates of Kabul airport to safety. They also received reports on the ground in Kabul that the Americans only have a 24-hour window to evacuate the country.
Issa’s staff also said the State Department has been slow to respond to emergency requests and has so far failed to deal with this crisis. In addition, it was very difficult to obtain or receive reliable information.
Wilcox told Fox News in a statement that Psaki was “completely wrong” to assert that US citizens are not stranded in Afghanistan, as evidenced by US citizens in Issa District who are still trapped.
“Congressman Issa and his staff know the location of several US citizens in Afghanistan, and we have been in direct and constant contact with them. They are frightened, stranded and trapped in the Kabul area. So far, they couldn’t make it to the airport. I know Jen Psaki once said that doesn’t happen, but she’s completely wrong, “Wilcox said.
Wilcox continued: “[Issa] also continues to lead our work to confirm visas, passports and other documents for people we know to be trapped, and we are in constant contact with official channels, including the State Department and the Pentagon, as well as those on the ground in Afghanistan. He is doing all he can to push those responsible for emergency action and they should now be very aware that he is on this matter. We think we’ve made a significant difference, but there is still work to be done to make sure everyone goes home safely. “
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Psaki said it was “irresponsible” to say Americans are stranded in Afghanistan during an exchange with Fox News’ Peter Doocy at Monday’s press conference. “I think it is irresponsible to say that the Americans are stranded. They are not. We are committed to bringing home Americans who want to return home.”
Doocy followed up and asked if “there are no stranded Americans” is the official White House position.
“I’m calling you just for saying that we are blocking the Americans in Afghanistan when we have been very clear that we are not letting Americans who want to go home,” Psaki said. “We’re going to take them home and I think it’s important that the American public hear and understand.”
Psaki then asked reporters to contact the White House with names, contact details and any other new information on US citizens or Afghan partners who wish to leave Afghanistan and the government would help them evacuate.
Cam Cawthorne of Fox News contributed to this report.
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