In a recent legislative development, the United States Senate has confirmed the promotion of Lieutenant General Chris Donahue to the rank of four-star officer. This decision followed after Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, withdrew his hold on Donahue’s nomination. The promotion process encountered delays despite the Senate Armed Services Committee advancing hundreds of other military promotions.
Lieutenant General Chris Donahue, who played a pivotal role during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been confirmed as the commander of U.S. Army Europe-Africa. This confirmation by unanimous consent in the Senate indicates broad bipartisan support for Donahue, as no senator opposed his approval.
Senator Mullin, who had temporarily blocked Donahue’s promotion, has been one of the most vocal critics regarding the management of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Mullin particularly highlighted the Abbey Gate bombing during the evacuation that resulted in the loss of 13 American service members, questioning accountability for this tragic event. He named Donahue along with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, in his demands for accountability.
The U.S. Army Europe-Africa command post is not new territory for Donahue. He has been instrumental in reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His leadership was crucial in establishing the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine in November 2022, marking a significant extension of the efforts of the 18th Airborne Corps, the unit he commands at Fort Liberty in North Carolina.
Donahue’s military tenure spans over thirty years, with deployments to regions including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. His experience has garnered support from prominent figures within the defense community. Mark Esper, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, defended Donahue on social media, emphasizing that the responsibility for the Afghanistan withdrawal lies with the White House rather than uniformed military leaders. Retired General Tony Thomas also supported Donahue, describing him as ‘the finest officer’ he had ever served with.
The image of Donahue, captured as the last U.S. soldier leaving Afghanistan, remains a powerful symbol of the end of a two-decade-long war. His new role as a four-star officer signifies a continuation of his commitment to U.S. military objectives and the strengthening of transatlantic relations.
General Chris Donahue’s ascent to a four-star rank marks a significant moment in his distinguished military career. Despite the political challenges and scrutiny surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal, his leadership and experience have earned him the trust and backing necessary to lead U.S. Army operations in Europe and Africa. This promotion reflects both a recognition of his contributions and an affirmation of his role in future military and strategic endeavors.
Source: CNN
