Next time President Biden answers reporters' questions, he will be asked what he doesn't know and why.
Why it matters: The assurances Biden made at Friday's news conference about security at Kabul Airport were quickly contradicted by reporters from the ground and his own administration.
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Biden stated that "we have no evidence" that American citizens are having difficulty getting to Kabul's airport. He also said, "Weve reached an agreement with Taliban. They have allowed them to pass so far. They want to see it through."
"So, we don't know of any situation where American citizens... with an American passport try to get to the airport. We will make every effort to ensure they reach the airport.
However, ABC's Ian Pannell reported in Kabul over audio of gunfire. "For many nights, we've been reporting on violence and terror at Kabul Airport, as well as Americans and Afghans who are unable to get through."
Clarissa Ward, CNN, reported from the airport that "any American can get into here is, you know, yes, technically it's possible but it's extremely dangerous and it's difficult."
Yesterday, President Biden was flanked by Vice President Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Tony Blinken. Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Politico reported that Lloyd Austin, the Defense Secretary, spoke with Biden on Friday to discuss the fact that the Pentagon was aware that "some people, including Americans have been harassed or even beaten" by the Taliban.
Austin said, "This is unacceptable. [We] made it clear the designated Taliban leader."
Today, the U.S. Embassy Kabul advised citizens not to travel to the airport.
Continue the story
U.S. citizens wishing to leave the country are asked to complete this form. Then wait: "Do NOT call the U.S. Embassy Kabul for updates or details about the flight. This form is the only method to express interest in flight options. As the security situation changes, we will contact U.S. citizens registered to receive further instructions.
Reality check: Just after Biden's speech, CNN's Ward spoke out about "the enormity and the devastation that we are witnessing."
She said, "[T]he current situation is dire." It's chaotic. Two days ago, people were lying in gravel with their babies, and they are still there in the scorching heat of the evening.
"Marines today handed out small cardboard wedges to people so they could fan their babies," said one Marine.
Biden stated that al Qaeda has "gone" from Afghanistan during the news conference.
CNN reported that Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said to reporters, "We know al Qaeda is a present, as well ISIS in Afghanistan. We've been talking about this for quite some time."
Al Qaeda fighters were among the thousands of Taliban prisoners released Sunday from Bagram Air Base prison.
Look deeper: Biden promises to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies.
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