Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin is delaying the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, a nominee for a top Army role in Europe, due to his role in the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The delay sparked by the senator highlights ongoing political disputes over military accountability for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. as The Hill reports.
Donahue has been nominated to serve as a four-star general leading the U.S. Army in Europe. Known for his 30-plus years of service, Donahue graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is the last U.S. soldier who departed Kabul during the withdrawal. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently approved nearly 1,000 military promotions, but his was not included.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, is the reason behind the delay. Mullin reportedly opposes Donahue’s promotion due to his involvement in the 2021 withdrawal. However, Mullin’s office declined to comment publicly on the situation.
During the withdrawal, Donahue commanded the 82nd Airborne Division at Hamid Karzai International Airport. This operation faced global scrutiny after a suicide bombing killed 13 U.S. service members and over 170 Afghans.
The Senate will not reconvene in Washington, D.C., until after the Thanksgiving holiday, leaving Donahue’s nomination unresolved for now.
The Pentagon has expressed its support for Lt. Gen. Donahue’s promotion, emphasizing his qualifications and years of service. A spokesperson highlighted the impact of blocked nominations on military preparedness. “Holds on our nominees undermine our military readiness,” the spokesperson said.
Donahue currently leads the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. This role, assumed in March 2022, followed his leadership during the Kabul evacuation.
The Lt. Gen.'s record reflects decades of experience, but his connection to the withdrawal has made him a focal point of political debate. The Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal remains a divisive topic in Washington.
Blocking military promotions is uncommon but not without precedent. Similar actions were taken by Sen. Tommy Tuberville earlier this year, who used holds to protest unrelated policy decisions. These moves have drawn criticism for politicizing military appointments.
The Afghanistan withdrawal continues to spark contention within U.S. politics. The chaotic exit and loss of life have led some lawmakers to seek accountability among senior military officials.
Meanwhile, the incoming Trump administration is reportedly considering legal actions against those involved in the withdrawal, further complicating the political landscape surrounding the issue.
As the Senate remains in recess, Lt. Gen. Donahue’s promotion hangs in the balance. The resolution of this dispute will likely play a significant role in shaping the narrative around military accountability and readiness.
