Senator drops hold, allowing Chris Donahue's promotion to four-star general
- Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue has been confirmed as commander of US Army Europe-Africa after the Senate lifted a hold on his nomination.
- The hold had been placed by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, who has called for accountability for the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Donahue's promotion highlights the ongoing political and military debates surrounding the US's international military engagements.
In December 2024, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue to serve as the commander of the US Army Europe-Africa. This promotion comes after a brief hold was placed on his nomination by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma. The hold was unexpectedly dropped, allowing Donahue's confirmation to proceed alongside 984 other military promotions that had already been recommended by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Donahue is known for overseeing the final withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, marking him as a critical and controversial figure during a chaotic evacuation that resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members due to a suicide bombing. His last moments on the ground at Kabul’s international airport, captured in a powerful night vision image boarding a cargo flight, have become emblematic of the 20-year war's end. With over three decades of military service, Donahue has extensive experience, including 20 deployments to various global hotspots such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eastern Europe. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts following Russia’s invasion. The support he provided helped establish a long-term military assistance program focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defenses, reflecting the evolving role of the US military in international diplomacy and conflict resolution. While Donahue has great support from former Defense officials, the hold placed by Mullin highlights ongoing divisions in Congress regarding accountability for military operations and decisions made by President Biden's administration. Mullin has criticized the lack of accountability for the Abbey Gate bombing, explicitly naming Donahue in his calls for responsibility, suggesting lingering frustration over the withdrawal's outcomes. This promotion not only signifies Donahue’s career trajectory but also serves as a reflection of the larger issues within military leadership accountability and the political dynamics surrounding military decisions.