President Joe Biden is doubling down in his decision to pull troops out of Afghanistan.

“I stand squarely behind my decision. After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time withdraw U.S. forces.”

Over the weekend, Biden faced criticism for traveling to Camp David while the Taliban took over Afghanistan. He cut that trip short today to return to the White House to deliver this 18-minute speech on the perilous situation.

He went on to say:

“I will not repeat the mistakes we’ve made in the past. The mistake of staying and fighting indefinitely in a conflict that is not in the national interest of the United States, of doubling down on a civil war in a foreign country, of attempting to remake a country through the endless military deployments of U.S. forces? Those are the mistakes we cannot continue to repeat because we have a significant vital interest in the world that we can not afford to ignore. I also want to acknowledge how painful this is to so many of us. the scenes that we’re seeing in Afghanistan, they’re gut-wrenching, particularly for our veterans, our diplomats, humanitarian workers, for anyone who has spent time on the ground working to support the Afghan people. For those who have lost loved ones in Afghanistan, and for Americans who have fought and served in the country, serve our country in Afghanistan.”

He pointed out the U.S. is not abandoning Afghanistan:

“We will continue to support the Afghan people. We will lead with our diplomacy, our international influence, and our humanitarian aid. We’ll continue to push for regional diplomacy and engagement to prevent violence and instability. We’ll continue to speak out for the basic rights of the Afghan people of women and girls just as we speak out all over the world.”

He also reserves the right to step up pressure if the evacuation of Americans and Afghans who have worked with America hits roadblocks:

“It is not without risks. as we carry out this departure, we have made it clear to the Taliban if they attack our personnel or disrupt our operation, the U.S. presence will be swift and the response will be swift and forceful. we will defend our people with devastating force if necessary. our current military mission, we shorten time, limit the scope, and focus on its objectives. get our people and our allies as safely and quickly as possible. and once we have completed this mission, we will conclude our military withdrawal. we will end America’s longest war after 20 long years of bloodshed.”

While reporters were in the room during Biden’s address, he didn’t take any questions.

Reaction to his statement is mixed.