The promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, a three-star general who played a pivotal role in the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been put on hold by Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. This decision has raised concerns and sparked discussions within military circles and political spheres.
Donahue was set to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe, a significant position that would require strong leadership and strategic skills. However, despite receiving a recommendation from the Pentagon, his promotion was not included in a recent batch of nearly 1,000 promotions that went through the Senate Armed Services Committee. This move by Mullin has prompted speculation about the motivations behind the hold.
Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that Mullin’s decision to pause Donahue’s promotion is politically motivated. The intention is to allow the new Republican-controlled Congress and President-elect Donald Trump to weigh in on the promotion, particularly in light of Donahue’s involvement in the Afghanistan withdrawal. This decision has led to behind-the-scenes efforts by the Army and other allies to convince Congress to lift the hold and move forward with the promotion.
One of the key factors influencing Mullin’s decision is the aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. During the campaign, Trump frequently criticized President Biden for not holding any officers accountable for the events that unfolded during the withdrawal. It is important to note that military officers execute U.S. policy but do not create it. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a decision made by the Biden administration, despite the initial deal brokered by the Trump administration with the Taliban to withdraw U.S. forces.
Donahue played a crucial role in the final stages of the Afghanistan withdrawal, being the last U.S. soldier to exit the country. The evacuation efforts led by the U.S. resulted in the rescue of about 125,000 people, including 6,000 Americans. However, the operation was marred by a suicide bombing outside Hamid Karzai airport in Kabul, which claimed the lives of dozens of Afghans and 13 U.S. service members.
The U.S. faced criticism for underestimating the speed with which the Taliban would capture Kabul and the logistical and planning failures that plagued the withdrawal. Multiple internal probes conducted by the Pentagon, State Department, and Congress have highlighted the shortcomings in planning, communication, and overall execution of the operation. A State Department report released last year pointed to “insufficient” planning and an inability to grasp the scale of the operation as contributing factors to the chaos.
The decision to pause Donahue’s promotion has raised questions about the role of politics in military appointments and promotions. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether Congress will ultimately lift the hold on Donahue’s promotion. CBS News has reached out to Mullin’s office for comment but has not received a response. It is also unclear whether President Trump is aware of the situation and the hold on Donahue’s promotion.
In conclusion, the decision to pause Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue’s promotion has sparked a debate about the intersection of politics and military appointments. The aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal continues to be a contentious issue, with questions being raised about accountability, leadership, and decision-making. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to closely monitor the developments and the implications of this hold on Donahue’s career and the broader military landscape.
