Wave of resignations under Hegseth
High-ranking US general throws in the towel
Updated June 25, 2026 – 10:56 amReading time: 2 minutes
US General Christopher Donahue gained notoriety during his withdrawal from Afghanistan, but recently attracted the displeasure of the US Secretary of Defense. Now he is apparently bowing to pressure from the Pentagon.
The commander of the US Army in Europe and Africa, US General Christopher Donahue has resigned after just 18 months in the position. The 56-year-old is one of almost two dozen high-ranking military officials serving under Defense Minister Pete Hegseth retired or resigned earlier than planned. Hegseth, who has declared war on diversity and inclusion, had already announced when he took office that he would ban generals from the army who he viewed as politically progressive, or “woke” in English.
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A retired US general, who wished to remain anonymous, described Donahue’s departure in the US magazine “Newsweek” as “another example of Defense Minister Hegseth forcing high-ranking officers out of the service without giving reasons.”
Last man out of Afghanistan
During his service, Donahue commanded the elite unit Delta Force Iraq and in Afghanistan and later the 82nd Airborne Division. He became known because he was the last US soldier to die after the capture of Kabul Taliban Left Afghanistan in 2021. Donahue’s leadership during the evacuation drew bipartisan praise, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Most recently, the general was also commander of the NATO land forces.
US President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth had repeatedly criticized the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. In May, the Defense Minister again ordered an investigation into the sometimes chaotic circumstances during the US withdrawal.
US criticism of European allies continues
A retired US Army general told Newsweek magazine that “neither Europe nor the USA “will be stronger or better” if Donahue steps down. European commanders are likely to be frustrated by the loss, said Ed Arnold, a senior associate fellow at the in London based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the magazine. Donahue is said to have maintained, among other things, good connections with the current head of the British army, General Roly Walker, reports “Newsweek”.
An Army official quoted anonymously told the AP that Donahue’s departure comes at a time when the Army is discussing downgrading the U.S. Army Europe and Africa command from a four-star to a three-star command. This could also be related to Hegseth and Trump’s ongoing criticism of their European allies.
