Biden tells nation he stands 'squarely behind' decision to exit Afghanistan

President Biden addressed the nation Monday, saying he stands "squarely behind" his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan after having a presence for 20 years, while admitting that the fall of the country to the Taliban "did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated." 

The president, speaking from the White House Monday, said his administration has been "closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Afghanistan," and is moving "quickly" to execute the new plans put in place. 

"I stand squarely behind my decision," the president said Monday. "After 20 years, I've learned the hard way, that there was never a good time to withdraw U.S. forces."