NBC Retracts False Claim by Kristen Welker About Kamala Harris’ Attendance at Dover Ceremony
NBC News has issued a public retraction after “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker falsely claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris attended the 2021 dignified transfer ceremony for 13 U.S. service members killed during the Kabul airport bombing. The network admitted the error following growing backlash and questions about journalistic accuracy.
False Statement During Heated Interview
The false claim came during an exchange on “Meet the Press” between Welker and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). As the two discussed former President Donald Trump’s recent appearance at Arlington National Cemetery — where he had been invited by Gold Star families to mark the third anniversary of the Kabul tragedy — Welker stated that both President Biden and Vice President Harris were present at the original dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in 2021.
That statement was incorrect. While President Biden did attend the solemn transfer of remains, Vice President Harris did not. Her absence had been widely noted at the time, as was criticism over the administration’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
NBC Issues Correction
NBC’s “Meet the Press” later posted a correction on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying:
“On our broadcast this morning, we incorrectly implied that both President Biden and Vice President Harris attended the dignified transfer of 13 American service members killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal. Biden was in attendance, but Harris was not.”
This admission triggered a wave of criticism from viewers and commentators who accused NBC of spreading misinformation to shield the administration.
Gold Star Families Defend Trump’s Arlington Visit
Trump’s appearance at Arlington Cemetery had drawn criticism from political opponents, with accusations that he was politicizing a memorial event. However, the families of the fallen service members pushed back, stating publicly that Trump had been personally invited by them to attend.
“These families wanted him there to help honor their children,” said Sen. Cotton during the interview. “They don’t get to celebrate Labor Day. This was their day to remember. And they invited Trump, not for politics, but for support.”
Cotton further criticized both President Biden and Vice President Harris for not attending the Arlington ceremony, saying, “They were invited — and they didn’t come.”
Media Credibility Under Scrutiny
Kristen Welker’s error became a flashpoint in a larger debate over trust in mainstream media. Critics argued that her misstatement reflected a pattern of narrative-driven journalism and failure to verify basic facts.
“This is exactly why people don’t trust the media,” one commenter wrote. “These are emotional and sacred events. You can’t get them wrong — especially not on national television.”
Others demanded higher accountability standards, with some calling for corrections to be broadcast on-air rather than posted only on social media.
A Sensitive Subject Amid Ongoing Fallout
The August 2021 bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport remains one of the most tragic moments in the final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The attack killed 13 American troops and left deep scars on families and military communities.
The dignified transfer at Dover was a moment of national mourning — and remains a point of sensitivity and political tension. Misinformation surrounding such events, critics argue, only adds further pain to grieving families and undermines efforts at accountability.
Conclusion
While NBC’s retraction acknowledged the error, the fallout has raised broader concerns about media responsibility in covering military tragedies. The incident also highlights the enduring emotional weight of the Afghanistan withdrawal and the continued scrutiny on those in leadership — and those reporting on them.