President Joe Biden quietly promoted Lieutenant General Christopher Donahue to full general on Monday, following a prolonged delay attributed to his involvement in the Biden administration’s contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Donahue, who commanded the 82nd Airborne Division during the chaotic evacuation, oversaw the operation that left billions of dollars of military equipment in Taliban hands and resulted in widespread criticism.
The Senate ultimately approved his promotion after at least one senator reportedly dropped their objections, according to Politico.
Donahue’s promotion was not included in a larger package of military nominations approved by the Senate before Thanksgiving, highlighting opposition within the chamber.
Reports suggest that Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a vocal critic of the Afghanistan withdrawal, was among those who initially blocked the advancement.
Mullin has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the withdrawal, describing it as a failure that compromised American security and global credibility.
His resistance to Donahue’s promotion underscores ongoing frustration within Republican ranks about the military’s role in the controversial operation.
As commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Donahue was tasked with overseeing the evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. The operation, marked by scenes of chaos, desperation, and tragedy, remains a low point in Biden’s presidency.
Images of Afghan civilians clinging to departing U.S. Air Force planes became symbols of the operation’s disarray. The deaths of 13 U.S. service members in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate further intensified scrutiny of the administration’s decision-making.
Donahue gained attention as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, with an iconic image of him boarding a transport plane circulated by the administration to project a sense of closure. However, critics have argued that this moment epitomized a rushed and poorly executed retreat.
President-elect Donald Trump has consistently lambasted Biden and those involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal. Trump has labeled it “the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country” and frequently cites the deaths of U.S. personnel at Abbey Gate as evidence of the operation’s failure.
Trump has pledged to hold military leaders accountable for their roles in the withdrawal. Reports suggest that his transition team is compiling a list of senior officers connected to the operation to assess their performance and determine if disciplinary actions, including court-martial proceedings, are warranted.
Additionally, Trump has vowed to combat what he terms “wokeism” in the military. He plans to establish a “warrior board” of retired generals to guide military leadership and reform Pentagon culture.
Donahue’s promotion reflects the administration’s support for military leaders despite controversies. However, it also serves as a reminder of the unresolved debates surrounding accountability for the Afghanistan withdrawal.
As Trump prepares to take office, the promotion could become a flashpoint in broader discussions about military leadership, operational responsibility, and reform within the armed forces.