On Monday night, the Senate promoted a high-ranking Army officer who served in Afghanistan after Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) removed his hold on the promotion. Mullin had expressed concerns regarding the accountability of those involved in the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue received a unanimous voice vote in the Senate to advance to the rank of general. During his time in Afghanistan, Donahue commanded the 82nd Airborne Division and became known for a powerful photograph capturing him as he boarded a C-17 aircraft, which earned him the title of the last soldier to leave the country.
Donahue’s leadership during U.S. exit earns him unanimous Senate approval
The reason for Donahue’s nomination, alongside others typically advanced by the Senate, remains unclear, especially since he has served as the commander of XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty since March 2022 and was present in Afghanistan during the final moments of the withdrawal.
Mullin has not provided public commentary regarding his hold on the promotion, despite reports from various news outlets on the matter. However, he has voiced his worries in the past about the lack of accountability following the tumultuous withdrawal, which left both Afghans and Americans in a desperate scramble at Kabul airport.
The chaotic exit was further marred by a suicide bombing at the airport that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and around 170 Afghans. Following the U.S. troop withdrawal, the Taliban rapidly regained control of Afghanistan.
President-elect Trump has pledged to dismiss the commanders and generals accountable for the decisions surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal.
