U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired General Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe, as part of a wider shake-up of the military brass, the Financial Times reports. Donahue, a highly decorated four-star general, is expected to announce his retirement from the army today, according to the report.
The Financial Times reported Wednesday morning that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired General Chris Donahue, the commander of U.S. Army Europe, as part of an ongoing purge of senior military leadership. Donahue, a four-star general who is highly decorated and widely respected in the military, is expected to announce his retirement from the army today, according to the report.
Donahue was the last American service member to leave Afghanistan during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal — an event that drew heavy criticism, particularly from President Trump and his administration officials. The ouster follows a series of similar dismissals by Hegseth, who has signaled he intends to reshape the Pentagon's senior ranks. The Pentagon has not yet issued an official statement on the firing.
2 developments
- StrongHegseth accuses NATO allies of betrayal, U.S. to review European troop presence
- DevelopingHegseth presses European NATO allies to end 'free riding' on US military
- DevelopingNATO chief says US troop reduction from Europe takes effect
- StrongUK Defense Secretary John Healey resigns over government spending plans
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