A Republican senator has blocked the promotion of Army Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue, who is known as the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal back in 2021. This notable decision, executed by Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma, is the first indication of potential retaliation by President-elect Donald Trump against military officials involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The Pentagon confirmed the hold on Donahue's promotion, which was expected as he had been nominated by President Joe Biden for the prestigious rank of four-star general and to lead U.S. Army Europe-Africa. This move came alongside the Senate Armed Services Committee's proposal of over 900 military promotions, yet Donahue’s was not included among those confirmed during the final Senate vote.
Donahue’s involvement during the Afghanistan withdrawal has led to political tensions. Serving as commander of the 82nd Airborne Division at the time, he oversaw the final evacuation of U.S. Embassy staff, military personnel, and Afghans who had allied with American forces. His departure from Kabul, marked by the now-famous night-vision photograph capturing him boarding the last military plane, became emblematic of the end of the two-decade-long conflict.
The political fallout from the Afghanistan withdrawal has been considerable, with Trump harshly criticizing military leadership and vowing to dismiss all senior officials associated with the withdrawal. He noted, "every single senior official who touched the Afghanistan calamity" should resign, signaling his intent to reshape military hierarchy upon taking office.
Trump's transition team is reportedly compiling lists of current and former military officers for potential court-martial proceedings concerning their actions during the withdrawal. This adds another layer of complexity to Donahue's promotion process.
The situation is complicated by the fact the Senate will soon enter recess, which could put Donahue’s promotion at greater risk as the new Congress convenes with Republican control next year.
Responses to Mullin's move have been mixed. Retired General Tony Thomas, who previously led U.S. Special Operations Command, openly lamented the decision, calling it “a disgrace” and highlighting how military officers like Donahue are being used as political pawns. Heather Nauert, who served at the State Department during Trump’s first term, expressed her disagreement over Mullin's action, stating, “Unless there are facts I don’t know, holding up military promotions because of our disgraceful Afghanistan withdrawal is wrong.”
Currently, Donahue serves as the commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. His credentials and leadership experience have been recognized, with the Pentagon emphasizing the dire need for his role, particularly amid the current geopolitical climate.
The Senate's capability to block military promotions raises questions on how long individual senator holds can persist. Historically, such holds have been used as political tools, primarily by Republican senators like Tuberville, who blocked hundreds of military promotions due to objections against the Pentagon's abortion policies.
Sentiments surrounding the withdrawal from Afghanistan remain deeply polarized, with many Americans and military officials reflecting on the challenging circumstances of the evacuation. The investigative undertones continue as political leaders, especially from the GOP side, regard the matter as one necessitating accountability.
Donahue's future and the repercussions on military promotions will likely evolve as the political dynamics shift with the new Congress.
