GOP senator blocks promotion of Army general who oversaw Afghan pullout 

Senator Markwayne Mullin, who placed the hold on Donahue’s promotion, has not explained the reasoning behind his decision…reports Asian Lite News

A GOP senator has blocked the promotion of US Army Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 and former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during the US withdrawal. 

Senator Markwayne Mullin, who placed the hold on Donahue’s promotion, has not explained the reasoning behind his decision. 

The Pentagon confirmed that it was aware of the block, which pertains to Donahue’s nomination for a fourth star to lead the US Army in Europe and Africa. 

Lt. Gen. Donahue’s role in the Afghanistan withdrawal, particularly his iconic image boarding the final C-17 transport flight with his rifle in hand, has made him a symbol of the chaotic exit. 

While some, including former President Donald Trump, have harshly criticized the withdrawal, blaming senior officials for the disorder, Donahue is regarded within the military as one of the most capable leaders of his generation. 

In a statement, Tony Thomas, former head of US Special Operations Command, called Donahue “the finest officer I ever served with,” and accused his critics of using him as a political pawn for reasons unrelated to his military record. 

Despite the political pressure, Donahue has earned a reputation for leadership, having spent over three decades in military service, facing some of the most challenging situations in defence. 

This promotion block, imposed under Senate rules which allow any single senator to stall a nomination, has raised questions about the political motivations behind the move. 

The Pentagon’s acknowledgment of the hold comes amid growing tensions within the political establishment regarding the handling of the Afghanistan exit. 

Former President Trump has called for the resignation of officials responsible for the withdrawal, and his transition team is reportedly drafting a list of military officers to be removed, signalling the potential for an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon. 

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