A Comparative Analysis Of Troop Safety Records: Biden Vs. Trump After Tragic Losses In Jordan

The recent deaths of three American soldiers in a drone strike in Jordan have reignited discussions about the safety of U.S. troops under different presidential administrations. This tragic incident, attributed to Iran-backed militants, has not only shocked the nation but has also sparked a political firestorm as the 2024 presidential election approaches. With at least 34 other service members wounded, the event raises serious questions about how the current administration and its predecessor managed military engagements and troop safety overseas.

In the wake of these deaths, President Biden has expressed a commitment to holding those responsible accountable, yet the specifics of his administration's response remain unclear. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has seized the opportunity to criticize Biden, claiming that such attacks would not have occurred had he been in office. This exchange of blame underscores the deep divisions in American politics, especially regarding national security and military strategy.

As we delve deeper into the implications of this incident, it becomes evident that the safety of U.S. service members is a critical issue that transcends party lines. Both Biden and Trump have faced unique challenges during their respective terms, influencing their decisions on military operations. Understanding their records and the broader context of troop safety can help voters make informed choices as they head to the polls.

The deaths of three American soldiers—who were killed overseas on Sunday—has prompted a comparison of political records on troops' safety between the two frontrunners fighting it out for the White House. Three U.S. service members died and at least 34 were wounded this weekend in a drone strike at a base in Jordan near the Syrian border, which officials say was carried out by Iran-backed militants. Jordan is a close ally of the U.S. and has condemned the “terrorist” attack, while Biden said that “we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing.”

The incident sparked outrage at home, and several prominent Republicans have called on the Biden administration to strike Iran. However, the president has been vague about exactly how he plans to respond. Experts say Biden is wary of a direct hit on Iran that could ignite a major war with the Middle East and place further American troops at risk.

His main Presidential rival, former Republican President Donald Trump, has blamed the Democratic leader for the attack in the first place. “Our Country cannot survive with Joe Biden as Commander in Chief,” Trump wrote on the Truth Social site on Sunday night. “This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Biden's weakness and surrender.” The Republican 2024 frontrunner added that the attack “would NEVER have happened if I was President, not even a chance.”

Newsweek emailed representatives for Trump and Biden on Monday, seeking comment on their own—and their rival's—record on U.S. service member deaths.

But how do Trump's claims stand up in terms of safeguarding U.S. troops?

Some 65 American service members died in combat while serving Trump during his time in the White House office from January 2017 to January 2021. There were fatalities every year of his presidency, according to the “hostile action” records compiled by the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), which is maintained by a government defense agency.

Of those 65 deaths, there were 45 combat deaths reported in Afghanistan alone, according to the Associated Press.

However, it must be noted that the U.S. was involved in Afghanistan for the entirety of Trump's stint in the White House. That has not been the case under Biden, who pulled out troops in a controversially chaotic withdrawal in August 2021.

Biden has not yet finished his term and is set to remain in office until standing again for election in November, so a full record of “hostile” deaths is not yet possible. In addition, DCAS has not yet collated the yearly figures for 2023 nor uploaded any so far this year. However, stats for 2021 and 2022 are available, making it possible to assess half of Biden's time in office in terms of “hostile action” deaths.

During 2022, by which time the U.S. had left Afghanistan, there was not a