US Lawmakers from Both Parties Urge Trump Administration to Halt Plans to Relocate Afghan Allies to DRC
More than 80 House members, including Republicans and Democrats, have called on the Trump administration to abandon plans to send approximately 1,100 Afghan nationals who worked with US forces to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an Ebola outbreak is occurring. The Afghans have been stranded in Qatar for over four years since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the situation has become more contentious following a 2025 attack in Washington by an Afghan immigrant. The lawmakers argue that relocating these individuals to unsafe countries violates US moral and security commitments to those who aided American military operations.
More than 80 House of Representatives members, including at least three Republicans and numerous Democrats, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Trump administration to reconsider plans to relocate approximately 1,100 Afghan nationals to the Democratic Republic of Congo. These Afghans worked with US forces as interpreters, contractors, and security personnel during the nearly 20-year mission in Afghanistan and have been awaiting relocation in Qatar for over four years. The situation has intensified following a late 2025 attack in Washington by an Afghan immigrant that killed a National Guard member and wounded another, prompting the Trump administration to cite inadequate vetting under the Biden administration and to sign an executive order preventing Afghan refugees from entering the US. The lawmakers stressed both the moral imperative and national security importance of honoring commitments to these allies, noting that the DRC relocation plan is particularly problematic given an active Ebola outbreak there. Secretary Rubio indicated the administration is negotiating with multiple countries but did not confirm whether the DRC plan remains active. The letter requested a briefing by June 24 and suggested that Afghans who have cleared enhanced vetting be considered for US entry.
How coverage differed
The Guardian emphasizes the moral dimension and frames the issue as lawmakers opposing Trump administration policy, while The Straits Times presents a more neutral account of the bipartisan letter without editorial commentary. The Guardian includes additional context about the suspect being granted asylum under Trump (highlighting a contradiction in the administration's position), whereas The Straits Times mentions this more factually. Both outlets cover the same core facts with minimal framing differences.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
Democrats, Republicans ask Trump administration not to ship Afghan allies to unsafe countries
US lawmakers demand Trump officials halt plan to send Afghans to DRC
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