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I just want to callout that if we're removing the icon, we will probably need to update the va-statement-of-truth component too (maybe dev and definitely design/Figma)

We will still need to support external links with the prop. So should we:

1. Completely remove the variation from Storybook but swap the icon for the "(opens in a new tab)" text in the component.
2. Keep the variation in Storybook but swap the icon for the "(opens in a new tab)" text.
3. Remove the variation, remove the icon, and do not add the text to the component. Users of the component would add that themselves.

2. Keep the variation in Storybook but swap the icon for the "(opens in a new tab)" text.

@rsmithadhoc I personally think 2. is the direction that makes sense.

Another thing to keep in mind is USWDS has an external link variation that uses an icon (which is what we modeled ours after).

Yes, this is a deviation from USWDS. @rsmithadhoc weighed in earlier so #2 should be the option we are taking. Ryan - If you could drop some a11y guidance as to why we are deviating from the USWDS (which I'm fine with but we should documenet) that would be helpful to note in this variation of link. Thanks!

I added a note on the accessibility considerations here, but will hold off on merging until this is ready to avoid any confusion.