Story highlights The Pentagon also tried to downplay reports that Nicholson could be on the way out

The Trump administration is currently considering its commitment to and strategy for Afghanistan and the wider region

Washington (CNN) Republican Sen. John McCain slammed President Donald Trump on Thursday amid reports that Trump is weighing firing Gen. John Nicholson, the top US military commander in Afghanistan.

"General John Nicholson has served our country with honor and distinction for 35 years. He has earned the trust and admiration of those he has served with. And he has earned my full confidence," McCain said in a statement.

"Our commanders-in-chief, not our commanders in the field, are responsible for this failure," he added, referring to Trump and former President Barack Obama. "I urge the President to resolve the differences within his administration as soon as possible and decide on a policy and strategy that can achieve our national security interests in Afghanistan and the region."

The White House and Pentagon are pushing back against an NBC News report that Trump is weighing firing Nicholson.

In an appearance on Fox News Thursday, Trump's deputy assistant, Sebastian Gorka, said the President is confident in Nicholson's military leadership in Afghanistan.

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