An Army general overseeing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue, has been promoted to a four-star officer after a Republican senator lifted a hold on his nomination. The Senate confirmed Donahue as the commander of US Army Europe-Africa by unanimous consent, with no objections from any senator.
Donahue, currently commanding the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, played a crucial role in the final withdrawal from Afghanistan. He was the last US soldier on the ground at Kabul’s international airport, symbolizing the end of a 20-year war and a tumultuous evacuation that resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 US troops in a suicide bombing.
Aside from his duties in Afghanistan, Donahue has been instrumental in supporting Ukraine, contributing to the establishment of the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine. This organization, an extension of the 18th Airborne Corps, was created to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
With a military career spanning over three decades and 20 deployments to regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, Donahue's experience and leadership have been widely recognized. Former Defense Department officials, including Mark Esper, former Defense Secretary under President Trump, have publicly endorsed Donahue, praising his capabilities and expertise.
The decision to lift the hold on Donahue's promotion came after Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, had previously blocked it. Mullin, who had been vocal about the lack of accountability following the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, eventually dropped his objection, allowing Donahue's confirmation to proceed.
Retired Gen. Tony Thomas, who led US Special Operations Command, condemned the hold on Donahue's promotion, describing it as a disgrace. He lauded Donahue as one of the finest officers he had served with, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Donahue's contributions and leadership.
