The promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue to lead U.S. forces in Europe has been halted by Senator Markwayne Mullin due to his role in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
The Hill reported that Senator Mullin is making headlines as he blocks the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, President Biden’s pick to head the U.S. Army in Europe. Mullin’s opposition stems from Donahue’s involvement in the Afghanistan evacuation during his tenure leading the 82nd Airborne Division.
This development delayed the Senate’s final confirmation of almost 1,000 military promotions approved earlier by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Donahue’s promotion was distinctly absent from the list confirmed by the full Senate on the Thursday before the Thanksgiving holiday.
The spotlight intensified on Donahue during the chaotic evacuation from Kabul Airport, where he played a critical command role. Images of him as the last U.S. service member to exit Kabul on August 30, 2021, became iconic as the U.S. ended its 20-year campaign in Afghanistan.
During the evacuation, Donahue’s 82nd Airborne Division was crucial in securing Kabul’s airport, allowing thousands of Americans and Afghan allies to depart safely ahead of the deadline. Despite the successful evacuation of many, the operation faced intense scrutiny after a deadly incident marred the final days.
The Pentagon has been vocal about its support for Donahue, accentuating his over thirty years of service and expertise necessary for leadership in Europe.
Pentagon spokesperson James Adams publicly urged the Senate, emphasizing that “Holds on our nominees undermine our military readiness."
In addition to his recent responsibilities, Donahue has been leading the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, since March 2022. This role further underlines his broad military leadership skills and experience critical to the current geopolitical tensions in Europe.
The hold on Donahue’s promotion reflects a growing trend of politicization of military promotions, a shift from what usually are routine confirmations.
Senator Tommy Tuberville previously demonstrated similar resistance, placing a hold over a policy disagreement, affecting the natural flow of military promotions.
This kind of disruption can potentially affect not only the individual careers but also the strategic capabilities of the U.S. military abroad, particularly at a time when U.S. military presence and readiness are pivotal in Europe due to ongoing regional tensions.
The Biden administration, under significant scrutiny for the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, may face further challenges as the upcoming Trump administration could pursue military legal action against key figures from the withdrawal, adding another layer of complexity to Donahue’s pending promotion.
Donahue’s career at West Point and his service across various capacities globally render him a respected figure in military circles.
His last act in Kabul, captured in a poignant photo, marked a symbolic end to America's longest war.
James Adams from the Pentagon reiterated the importance of confirming high-caliber military leaders like Donahue, stating, “His appointment comes at an extremely critical time in the European region. We urge the Senate to confirm all of our highly qualified nominees."
As the debate continues, the implications of stalled military promotions extend beyond individual careers to the overall military effectiveness and readiness on the global stage.
The resistance against Donahue’s promotion is more than just a procedural hiccup; it is a poignant reminder of the wider political repercussions stemming from America’s foreign policy moves and military strategy.