Published：Jun 24, 00:59Last updated：Jun 25, 07:00

US Army Commander in Europe and Africa Steps Down

Jun. 24, 2026 00:59

General Christopher Donahue, commander of the US Army in Europe and Africa, will retire this summer. His departure is linked to Pentagon reforms initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hagsett. Hagsett has reopened an investigation into the US withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration.

Summarized

8News

6Media

Jun. 24, 2026 11:09

On June 23, the US Army confirmed that General Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa, was forced to resign after 18 months. The move, seen as part of Defense Secretary Hagerty's reforms, has caused discontent among military officers.

Jun. 25, 2026 07:00

The US Department of Defense announced on June 24, 2026, that General Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa and NATO's top ground commander, will relinquish his command on July 2. Donahue was the last US soldier to board a military transport plane from Kabul Airport during the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021.

General Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa and NATO's top ground commander, has announced his unexpected resignation after 18 months in the role. His departure, set for July 2, marks a significant shift in US military leadership and has raised questions about the reasons behind the decision. Donahue, who was the last US soldier to leave Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal, has been a prominent figure in military operations in Europe and Africa.RIA Novosti+2

🏛️ Pentagon Reforms

Defense Secretary Pete Hagsett has initiated reforms within the Pentagon, which are reportedly linked to Donahue's resignation. Hagsett has reopened an investigation into the US withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration, adding to the scrutiny surrounding Donahue's tenure. These reforms aim to address criticisms of military leadership and strategy during the withdrawal.RIA Novosti+1

🛫 Afghanistan Withdrawal Legacy

Donahue's role as the last US soldier to board a military transport plane from Kabul Airport during the withdrawal has been a defining moment in his career. His departure coincides with ongoing debates about the effectiveness and consequences of the withdrawal, which continues to influence US military policy and leadership decisions.Toronto Star+1

🌍 Leadership Transition

The resignation of Donahue, who also served as NATO's top ground commander, signals a major transition in US military command structure. His departure after just 18 months has sparked discontent among military officers and raised concerns about the stability of leadership in critical regions like Europe and Africa.Russian Gazette+1

🔍 Investigation and Controversy

The reopening of the investigation into the Afghanistan withdrawal has added to the controversy surrounding Donahue's resignation. Critics argue that the move is politically motivated, while supporters see it as a necessary step to address shortcomings in military strategy and leadership during the withdrawal.RIA Novosti+1

NATOPete HagsettKabul AirportUS Army Europe and AfricaGeneral Christopher Donahue