In a surprising development, General Chris Donahue, who heads the U.S. Army operations in Europe and Africa, is set to retire. This decision comes amidst a push by Pete Hegseth, who is advocating for changes in the Pentagon’s leadership, which includes demoting his command and removing top senior officers without much clarity.
The 56-year-old decorated general, well-regarded for his extensive combat experience and leadership, is expected to announce his retirement this Wednesday. Donahue is renowned for commanding the Army’s elite Delta Force and is considered among the top leaders within the Army.
Having served with distinction, Donahue was always viewed as a potential candidate for the future role of chief of staff. His notable moments include commanding the 82nd Airborne Division during the U.S.’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. He was famously photographed through a night-vision lens as the last American service member to leave the country, boarding a C-17 aircraft.
The timing of his departure is intriguing, particularly as Pete Hegseth’s plans to reduce Donahue’s position from a four-star to a three-star command gain momentum. According to a source reported by ABC News, these organizational shifts seem to be paving the path for Donahue’s imminent exit from his storied military career.
His departure comes as Hegseth was preparing to downgrade Donahue’s post from a four-star command to a three-star one, a source told ABC News.
Going from a four-star to a three-star post strips the command of the military’s highest rank, signaling reduced prestige and authority.
Four-star officers can only hold positions designated for that rank, so when no such command is available, early retirement is often the only option left.
The effort is reportedly part of Hegseth’s broader plan to sideline and purge senior officials within the Pentagon.
Donhue is a decorated officer who commanded the Army’s elite Delta Force and the famed 82nd Airborne Division and amassed two decades of combat experience
As commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Donahue was the last American service member to leave the country, captured in a now-famous night-vision image as he boarded a C-17
The effort is apart of Hegseth’s broader plan to sideline and purge senior officials within the Pentagon
The abrupt departures and reassignments among senior Pentagon leaders under Hegseth has developed a pattern critics describe as an effort to clear out officials seen as insufficiently loyal.
The shake-up has intensified in recent weeks, with Hegseth moving against several high-ranking officers in the wake of the US military confrontation with Iran.
Hegseth routinely boasted that US forces held complete air and naval superiority over Iran, even as the regime kept control of the Strait of Hormuz for months.
Supporters cast the changes as overdue streamlining of a bloated general officer corps.
Detractors warn that sidelining experienced commanders risks hollowing out the military’s leadership at a volatile moment.
In April, Hegseth forced out Army Chief of Staff General Randy George during the Iran war, along with the Army’s chief of chaplains, Major General William Green Jr., and the head of Army Transformation and Training Command, General David Hodne.
George’s removal followed repeated clashes with Hegseth, including over the secretary’s decision to block the promotions of four Army officers
Those firings followed the ousting of more than a dozen generals and admirals since Hegseth took office, including Joint Chiefs Chairman General CQ Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
Hegseth’s purge of top Pentagon officials comes in the aftermath of the Iran war where US forces failed to wrestle control of the Strait of Hormuz from the Islamic regime
Donald Trump smiles with his top cabinet officials inside the Oval Office
Donahue mingles with troops in the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan
The Daily Mail has contacted the Pentagon for comment.
Lieutenant General Kevin Admiral is expected to be nominated by Hegseth to take over Donaue’s role.
Donahue’s departure from leading US army operations in Europe and Africa also comes as the US prepares to withdraw military support from European NATO allies.
The Pentagon announced last week that it will conduct a six-month review of troop levels in Europe as it looks to scale back its military presence.
The goal, according to Hegseth, is aimed at shifting more of the continent’s defense onto European allies.
Along with evaluating the number of troops stationed in Europe, the Pentagon will also reduce the fighter jets, drones, warships, and submarines it keeps in the region for use in a war or crisis.