Joe Biden, President of the United States, stated that the U.S. is determined to get every American out Afghanistan — even if this means possibly extending the mission beyond the Aug. 31 deadline for total withdrawal.

“We have about 10 to 15,000 Americans here right now. Are you sure? Are you going to make sure the troops are there until every American who wishes to leave is gone? Stephanopoulos asked Biden.

“Yes,” Biden replied.

While the president stated that his main focus was on the completion of the mission by August 31, Stephanopoulos pressed him to admit that the mission could take more time.

“So Americans need to understand that troops may have to be there beyond August. 31st? Stephanopoulos asked.

“No,” Biden replied. “Americans need to understand that we are going to try and get it done before August. 31st

Stephanopoulos stated, “But if it doesn’t,” “the troops will remain –“

“If we don’t,” Biden said, “We’ll decide at the time who’s gone.”

“And?” Stephanopoulos asked.

Biden stated, “And if your’re American force — If there’s American citizens still, we’re going to stay to get them all out.”

Biden stated that in addition to the 10,000-15,000 Americans who must be evacuated, there is between 50,000-65,000 Afghans and their families who the U.S. wants to leave.

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Biden stated that it would be necessary to speed up the evacuation mission in order to accomplish this before the end the month.

“It all depends on where you are and how much money you have. The president stated that if this is the case, then they will all be out.”

“The commitment is to get everyone out so that we can get out everyone who needs to come out. That’s our goal. This is what we are doing right now. This is the path that we are on. Biden stated that he believes we will get there.