WASHINGTON (Realist English). US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth continues a sweeping shake‑up of the military’s top brass. This time his target is one of the most respected and decorated generals in the US Army – Commander of US Army Europe and Africa, General Christopher Donahue.
According to The Atlantic, citing sources, Donahue, who held his post for only 18 months, will be forced to announce his resignation on June 24.
The General’s Profile: ‘The Last Soldier of Afghanistan’
General Christopher Donahue is a legendary figure in the American military establishment. He became widely known as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan during the chaotic evacuation from Kabul in August 2021. His famous image in night‑vision goggles, capturing the moment he boarded the last C‑17 transport, was seen around the world.
Donahue’s career includes command of elite units: he led the legendary Delta Force, commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, and saw combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.
In the Pentagon, he was tipped for Chief of Staff of the Army or even Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Colleagues called him a “generational leader” and “one of the best commanders of his generation.”
Mismatch with the ‘Ideal Military Leader’
The reasons for his dismissal have not been officially disclosed. However, according to The Atlantic, Hegseth is systematically removing anyone who does not fit his vision of a military leader. Those involved in the withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden – “regardless of how well they performed there” – are among the “undesirables.”
Hegseth himself, a former National Guard major who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has repeatedly criticised the chaotic Kabul withdrawal and is now overseeing a new investigation into those events. Donahue had no conflicts with his superiors: he was promoted to his current post in January 2025 under the Trump administration.
Nevertheless, according to CBS News, the general had disagreements with Hegseth, which led to his departure.
‘War on Warriors’: Purge of Top Command
Donahue’s dismissal is just one episode in Hegseth’s systematic campaign to “cleanse” the top command. Under the slogan “less generals, more GIs,” the defence secretary has already forced out or fired several dozen senior officers.
Among those who have already left their posts:
- Army Chief of Staff General Randy George (April 2026)
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown (February 2025)
- Commander of Transportation Command and other senior officers
- Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, US military representative to NATO
Donahue is now at least the sixth three‑ or four‑star general to leave his post unexpectedly.
Hegseth himself explains the personnel changes as necessary to “align the command structure with modern challenges.” However, in military circles, these actions are viewed differently. One retired officer told reporters: “This is not a war on ‘woke.’ This is a war on warriors.” Former State Department official Luis Moreno called the situation “a disgrace.”
Geopolitical Context: Revision of European Presence
Donahue’s resignation comes amid a fundamental review of US military presence in Europe. The Trump administration is pressing European allies to take on “primary responsibility for the continent’s defence.” The Pentagon has already announced a six‑month review of US forces in Europe.
At the same time, US Army Europe and Africa command will be downgraded from a four‑star to a three‑star command.
Republican Senator Tom Tillis has already expressed concern over Hegseth’s personnel decisions, warning that the dismissal of combat generals like Donahue undermines army readiness. Temporary command will pass to Donahue’s deputy, Major General Christopher Norrie.