Top Commander Resigns Over Trump
Army Gen. Christopher Donahue officially relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa on Thursday during a ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, following his unexpected removal from the post by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month.
The leadership transition marks another significant personnel change inside the Pentagon as the Trump administration continues reshaping senior military leadership and reviewing America’s global defense posture.
Donahue, 56, served as commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa for approximately 18 months and had built a reputation as one of the Army’s most accomplished special operations officers during a military career spanning decades.
Decorated Military Career Comes to a Close
Speaking during the change-of-command ceremony, Donahue expressed gratitude for the soldiers and leaders he served alongside and reflected on leading one of the Army’s most important overseas commands.
“I love this team. It has been the honor of a lifetime to be a part of it,” Donahue said. “I’m proud of what we built, and I have absolute confidence in what you will build next.”
He also described serving with U.S. Army Europe and Africa as one of the greatest honors of his military career, saying he would always be thankful for the opportunity.
Before assuming his most recent command, Donahue spent years serving in some of the military’s most elite units. A former Army Ranger and Delta Force operator, he eventually rose to command the elite special operations unit before later taking command of the Army’s famed 82nd Airborne Division.
Remembered for Afghanistan Withdrawal
Donahue became widely known during the final days of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
As commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, he helped oversee the evacuation of thousands of American citizens and allied partners from Kabul’s international airport during the chaotic conclusion of the 20-year conflict.
He is widely recognized as the last American service member to depart Kabul. A now-famous night-vision image showing Donahue boarding the final C-17 transport aircraft became one of the defining photographs of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Interim Commander Named
Until President Donald Trump selects a permanent replacement, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, Donahue’s deputy commander, will lead U.S. Army Europe and Africa in an acting capacity.
Donahue originally assumed the command after being nominated during the Biden administration.
Neither the Army nor the Pentagon has publicly explained why Donahue was removed from the position.
However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly argued that the Department of Defense should reduce the number of senior generals and admirals as part of broader efforts to streamline military leadership and improve efficiency throughout the armed forces.
Pentagon Leadership Changes Continue
Donahue’s departure comes amid a broader series of leadership changes inside the Pentagon.
Since taking office, Hegseth has replaced or removed numerous senior military officials while conducting reviews of leadership positions across multiple commands.
At the same time, the Trump administration continues evaluating the future size of America’s military presence in Europe. President Trump has consistently called on NATO allies to shoulder a larger share of their own defense costs while questioning whether current U.S. troop levels overseas remain necessary.
Those reviews have attracted attention from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as the administration weighs future force deployments across Europe.
Senator Questions Pentagon Decision
Not everyone has supported the recent leadership changes.
Thom Tillis publicly criticized Hegseth’s handling of senior military personnel, arguing that experienced commanders should be judged by their leadership rather than political considerations.
The North Carolina Republican accused the defense secretary of placing too much emphasis on loyalty instead of military experience and warned against removing proven commanders without clear justification.
Supporters of the Pentagon’s reforms, however, argue that reorganizing senior leadership is part of a broader effort to improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure military leadership aligns with the administration’s defense priorities.
Looking Ahead
Along with overseeing U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Donahue also commands NATO’s Allied Land Forces Command based in Izmir, Turkey. He is expected to hand over that position on July 9, bringing another chapter of his military service to an end.
As President Trump prepares to nominate a permanent successor, Donahue’s departure represents another notable milestone in the administration’s ongoing effort to reshape Pentagon leadership while reviewing America’s long-term military strategy in Europe and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gen. Christopher Donahue step down?
The Pentagon has not publicly provided a reason for Donahue’s removal. His departure follows broader leadership changes initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Who is replacing Donahue?
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie will serve as acting commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa until President Trump nominates and appoints a permanent replacement.
Why is Donahue well known?
Donahue gained national attention during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, where he oversaw evacuation operations at Kabul airport and is widely recognized as the final American service member to leave the country.
What is U.S. Army Europe and Africa?
The command oversees Army operations across Europe and Africa, supports NATO allies, strengthens regional security partnerships, and helps coordinate U.S. military readiness throughout both theaters.
