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Michael Grinston: US Army man slammed for 'women's equality' tweet after Kabul blasts

'You are the epitome of worthless leadership,' one user told Sergeant Major Michael Grinston for his tone deaf tweet on Women's Equality Day

A US Army top sergeant major is being heavily criticized after he shared a tweet to highlight Women's Equality Day on the very day there was a horrifying suicide bombing  at Kabul, Afghanistan. Identified as Michael Grinston, the US army man is being called out for his tone-deaf tweet celebrating diversity and women's equality after the explosion just outside the Kabul airport left at least 73 dead, including 13 US Marines.

The severe backlash against Grinston comes in the wake of ample social media scrutiny dumped over President Joe Biden for his exasperated response in press conferences when confronted with questions about the ongoing crisis in Kabul. Following the Pentagon's confirmation of the blast, the Taliban confirmed it too, indicating they had warned the US of a possible attack. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the bombing alongside a photo of the purported bomber. Tension and concerns about further attacks are at an all time high with thousands of Americans still trapped inside the country, as the August 31 deadline to evacuate US and UK troops draws closer. Amidst the chaos, Grinston tweeting about the importance of Women's Equality Day seemed in poor taste to many.

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Who is Michael Grinston?

The sergeant-major is the US Army's most senior enlisted member who currently serves as an advisor on enlistment efforts. He was sworn in as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army on August 9, 2019, and since then, has held every enlisted leadership position in the role. Grinston's name began circulating on social media after he posted a heavily criticized tweet, writing: "Diversity is a number - do you have people that don’t look or think like you in the room? Inclusion is listening and valuing those people. #WomensEqualityDay reminds us we’re smarter and more lethal when we come together as an inclusive, cohesive team. Our values demand it."

The tweet drew immense flak from social media, with Mike Roffall criticizing Grinston for pushing a "woke" agenda during a time of crisis. "Why would you even consider posting this at a time like this," he wrote. Other Twitter user demanded Grinston resign, with one writing: "Your statement on diversity and inclusion while our marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen are in harms way conducting an elaborate and difficult mission is evidence enough that you should resign ASAP," wrote Patrick Sansevere. 

'Military infected with wokeness'

Veteran support group Cernovich replies to Grinston's tweet, asking: "This is where your mind is today bro?" Other users chimed in saying, "This I why I fear for our nation. On a day such as this, the SMA feels it is important to let us know how "woke" the Army is. Only after the travesty of this was pointed out did you respond about today's events. As a retired Marine Officer I am simply shocked." Another user wrote: "No wonder the Taliban is running us out. Military infected with “wokeness” we need to clean house - resign."

While former UFC champ Nik Lentz asked Grinston to "Focus on the soldiers dying in Afghanistan," another user confronted the top officer, asking: "How diverse were the victims of the explosion at the airport in Kabul?" Navy Seal and FBI Agent Jonathan T Gilliam also slammed Grinston, tweeting: "WTFO?!? Why don’t you shut your leftist boot mouth and go switch places with the Marines and Sailors standing post where the 13 warriors were killed today. You are the epitome of worthless leadership."

Latest reports about the explosion reveal about 15 marines were injured in the two bomb attacks outside Kabul airport on Thursday, August 26. Senior health officials in Kabul are estimating the death toll to be somewhere around 90, with another 150 people believed to be injured. Pentagon General Frank McKenzie who confirmed the attack, told the press: "As you know, two suicide bombers, assessed to be ISIS fighters, detonated in the vicinity of the Abbey Gate at the airport and in the vicinity of the Baron Hotel. The attack on the Abbey Gate was followed by an attack by ISIS gunmen, who opened fire on civilian and US forces." McKenzie also warned that the US believes Kabul could face further attacks too. "We believe it is their desire to continue these attacks and we expect those attacks to continue and we're doing everything we can to be prepared for those attacks," he said.