Gold Star Father Exposes Biden's Disrespect in Afghanistan Withdrawal

Steve Nikoui's Heartfelt Outcry at State of the Union

Steve Nikoui, a carpenter from California, lost his son, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. In a powerful interview with Tucker Carlson on the Tucker Carlson Network, Nikoui shared his grief and frustration over the Biden administration's handling of the situation. His son was one of the 13 American service members killed in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate outside Kabul's airport. Nikoui's pain turned to action during the 2024 State of the Union address when he interrupted President Biden, shouting his son's name since, as he claims, Biden has refused to acknowledge it. This act led to his immediate arrest by Capitol Police for disrupting the speech.

A Father's Anguish and Perceived Betrayal

During the interview, Nikoui expressed a deep sense of betrayal by the administration. Around the 2:56 mark, he explained why he felt compelled to interrupt Biden's address, stating that it was a desperate attempt to ensure his son's sacrifice was not forgotten. He described turning his back on Biden during the speech as a symbolic gesture of disrespect for what he sees as a lack of accountability. Nikoui detailed how the administration failed to reach out to him personally after his son's death, a wound that remains raw as shared around the 6:03 timestamp. His words paint a picture of a grieving father seeking answers and recognition for his son's ultimate sacrifice.

Harsh Treatment and Unanswered Questions

Further into the discussion, at approximately the 9:28 point, Nikoui recounted the indignity of being housed in what he described as a roach-infested motel during interactions with military officials. This treatment added to his frustration with the government's apparent disregard for Gold Star families. At the 18:54 mark, he spoke of an emotional confrontation where he yelled at a general, demanding explanations for the mishandling of the withdrawal that cost his son’s life. Nikoui also raised concerns, around the 34:52 timestamp, about whether the Biden administration is covering up critical details about the Afghanistan withdrawal, questioning the transparency of the official narrative surrounding the tragic event.

Arrest After Speaking Out

Nikoui's arrest during the State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, became a focal point of the interview. As confirmed by U.S. Capitol Police, he was taken into custody around 10:15 p.m. EST for disrupting the proceedings. Nikoui shared with Carlson that this moment, highlighted near the end of their conversation, was not just about his personal loss but about a broader call for accountability. He believes that the administration's refusal to acknowledge the names of the fallen, including his son, is a shameful oversight that dishonors their memory. His arrest, while a consequence of his outburst, was portrayed as a necessary risk to bring attention to the pain of families like his.

A Call for Recognition and Justice

Throughout the interview, Nikoui's narrative is one of a father grappling with immense loss while feeling used and discarded by those in power. His story underscores a perceived lack of empathy from the highest levels of government, particularly in how the Afghanistan withdrawal was managed. The emotional weight of his experience resonates as he questions why the administration has not contacted him or other Gold Star families to offer condolences or explanations. Nikoui's plea is simple yet profound: he wants his son's name to be spoken, his sacrifice to be honored, and the truth about what happened at Abbey Gate to be fully disclosed.

As this interview reveals, Steve Nikoui's journey is emblematic of the struggles faced by many military families who feel neglected in the aftermath of national tragedies. His courage in speaking out, even at the cost of arrest, serves as a reminder of the personal toll of policy decisions. The discussion with Tucker Carlson provides a platform for these concerns, amplifying the voices of those who have lost so much and continue to seek answers from an administration they believe has turned its back on them.