Senator Halts Key Promotion Over Controversial Afghanistan Withdrawal Role

The promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who played a pivotal role in the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been delayed by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, multiple sources confirmed on Saturday.

Donahue, who had been recommended by the Pentagon for promotion to a four-star rank to lead the U.S. Army in Europe, was notably absent from a batch of nearly 1,000 promotions approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this week. The decision marks a significant delay in his career trajectory despite his distinguished service record.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Senator Mullin placed a hold on Donahue’s promotion to allow the incoming Republican-controlled Congress and President-elect Donald Trump to evaluate the decision. Mullin’s move is reportedly tied to Donahue’s involvement in the controversial Afghanistan withdrawal, which faced significant criticism over its chaotic execution and the humanitarian crisis it left behind.

Donahue, best known as the last American service member to leave Afghanistan during the withdrawal, became a symbolic figure in the mission. While his leadership was praised by some, the broader operation drew bipartisan scrutiny for its planning and execution.

The delay in his promotion comes amid ongoing Republican efforts to reassess military leadership and hold officials accountable for the withdrawal’s outcomes. This pause may also signal broader debates in Congress over military nominations under the new administration.

Neither the Pentagon nor Senator Mullin’s office has issued an official statement on the matter. However, the delay has sparked conversations about how past decisions during critical operations, like the Afghanistan withdrawal, will influence military appointments moving forward.

As the Republican-led Congress takes office, this development is likely to set the tone for its oversight of military promotions and the evaluation of key decisions made under the Biden administration.