Donahue Steps Down as Army Shifts Leadership

General Christopher Donahue, the top U.S. Army commander in Europe and Africa, is stepping down after just 18 months on the job — a move aligned with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to shrink the ranks of top generals and empower enlisted troops. Known for leading the last American troops out of Afghanistan in 2021 and earning bipartisan praise for his handling of the chaotic Kabul withdrawal, Donahue’s departure is part of a larger trend: nearly two dozen high-ranking officers have left or retired under Hegseth’s leadership. His exit comes as the Pentagon prepares a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe, aimed at pushing NATO allies to shoulder more defense responsibilities — a test some nations may fail. Donahue’s departure, while surprising given his stature and potential, reflects a broader military strategy to reshape command structures and realign global defense priorities. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/14395e158845dac0