The Senate has approved the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue to the rank of four-star general, enabling him to take command of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa. Donahue, known for his leadership of the 82nd Airborne Division during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, had his promotion delayed for reasons not publicly explained. The Senate confirmed his promotion quietly before adjourning.
The delay in Donahue’s promotion raised speculation about a procedural hold. Reports indicated that Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, may have been responsible for stalling the nomination. Mullin’s office did not respond to requests for clarification, leaving the reason for the delay uncertain.
Donahue is most recognized for leading the 82nd Airborne Division in securing Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport during the chaotic evacuation of Americans and Afghans as the Taliban took over Afghanistan. He became a symbolic figure as the last American service member to leave Kabul, with a widely circulated photo showing him boarding a cargo plane at the end of the operation.
Senate Confirms Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue as Four-Star General After Promotion Delay
The Afghanistan withdrawal remains a contentious topic, particularly for Republican critics of the Biden administration. Former President Donald Trump and his allies have criticized Biden for decisions made during the pullout, including a deadly suicide bombing at Abbey Gate that killed 13 U.S. military personnel. Trump has pledged to hold senior officers accountable for the withdrawal if re-elected.
Lt. Gen. Donahue has had a distinguished career beyond his role in Afghanistan. He currently commands the 18th Airborne Corps and has served in key leadership positions, including leading the Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan and working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff as deputy director for special operations and counterterrorism.
With his promotion confirmed, Donahue is set to play a critical role in leading U.S. Army forces across Europe and Africa. His leadership and experience, particularly in special operations and counterterrorism, are expected to be vital in addressing ongoing challenges in these strategically important regions.
