In a recent speech in Brussels, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stirred NATO allies with his plans for a comprehensive review of U.S. forces in Europe. The intensity of his address comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and changes within the U.S. Army leadership.
Chief National Security correspondent Jennifer Griffin reports from Washington, D.C., on the continued American military presence in the Middle East. Her report emphasizes ongoing combat between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon while highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in U.S.-Iran talks. USCENTCOM has confirmed the safe transit of 55 merchant vessels, shipping over 17 million barrels of oil.
General Christopher Donahue, who commands U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa, will retire after serving a year and a half in this significant role. According to a statement from the Army, General Donahue will leave his position on July 2. His decision follows a request from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who aims to reduce the number of generals while increasing new enlisted soldiers. Under Hegseth’s leadership, more than twenty military leaders have retired or left early. Post-July 2, Donahue’s responsibilities will transfer to his deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie.
U.S. Army General Christopher Donahue arrives from Fort Bragg at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in southeastern Poland on February 6, 2022. (Associated Press)
Donahue is noted for being the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan in August 2021, concluding a two-decade-long conflict initiated after the September 11 attacks. This historic moment, captured in a photo through night vision optics, marks a significant chapter in America’s military history. At the time, he commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, overseeing security at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the U.S. withdrawal.
In the chaotic evacuation, Marine forces secured the Abbey Gate, where a suicide bombing by an ISIS-K attacker claimed the lives of 13 U.S. servicemen and about 170 Afghan civilians. Despite criticism of the withdrawal’s speed, Donahue’s leadership, which oversaw the airlifting of roughly 124,000 Afghan citizens, received commendation from politicians across the aisle.
U.S. Marines on alert during the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan on August 18, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps/1stLt. Mark Andries/Handout via REUTERS)
Former President Donald Trump frequently criticized President Joe Biden over the withdrawal strategy. In response, last May, Hegseth commissioned a new investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal, continuing prior examinations by various governmental and military bodies.
General Donahue, a West Point graduate and seasoned special operations commander, previously led Delta Force units in Iraq and Afghanistan. He led the 82nd Airborne Division from July 2020 to March 2022 before President Biden offered him his current position in December 2024.
As a leading figure in Europe, Donahue played a crucial role in coordinating military assistance to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, thus becoming an expert in drone warfare for the U.S. Army. According to The Associated Press, Donahue’s experience and leadership qualities positioned him as a contender for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
His departure happens as the Army considers downgrading U.S. Army Europe and Africa from a four-star to a three-star command. This proposal occurred after Hegseth informed NATO allies of a forthcoming review of American forces in Europe. He stated the review aims to ensure NATO rapidly moves towards enabling Europe to assume more responsibility for its defense.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue boards a C-17 cargo plane at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 30, 2021. He was the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan. (U.S. Army)
The Pentagon and Army have yet to comment publicly on Donahue’s resignation, which The Atlantic initially reported. Donahue may require a presidential waiver to maintain his four-star retirement benefits since he has not held this rank for three years.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin and The Associated Press. James Cirrone from the Fox News Digital team was also involved. Send any story tips to [email protected].
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