Donald Trump’s top Army general has abruptly resigned as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aggressively overhauls the Pentagon’s leadership, sidelining top officers with little explanation.
General Chris Donahue, who is widely known as the last American service member to exit Afghanistan in 2021 will now step down as head of US Army operations in Europe and Africa, with his retirement expected to be announced as soon as Wednesday.
Donhue is a decorated officer who commanded the Army’s elite Delta Force and amassed two decades of combat experience has submitted his retirement papers.
The 56-year-old has long been seen inside the Army as one of its top leaders and a potential future chief of staff.
As commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Donahue was the last American service member to leave the country, captured in a now-famous night-vision image as he boarded a C-17.
His departure comes as Hegseth was preparing to downgrade Donahue’s post from a four-star command to a three-star one, per ABC News.
Going from a four-star to a three-star post strips the command of the military’s highest rank, signaling reduced prestige and authority.
Four-star officers can only hold positions designated for that rank, so when no such command is available, early retirement is often the only option left.
The effort is reportedly part of Hegseth’s broader plan to sideline and purge senior officials within the Pentagon.
