US general leading forces in Europe forced out after 18 months as Hegseth reshapes Pentagon leadership

A ceremony with 17-gun salute

In a formal outdoor ceremony at the US military base in Wiesbaden, General Christopher Donahue handed over command to his deputy, Christopher R. Norrie. The event included a 17-gun salute and applause from several hundred soldiers. No official successor has been named, and the post will be downgraded as part of a review of the US military footprint in Europe.

“We will miss you. We can never thank you enough.”

Forced exit from a decorated career

Donahue, 56, is widely regarded as one of the most esteemed generals in the US Army. He oversaw special forces in Afghanistan and completed 17 overseas deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, North Africa and Eastern Europe. In 2021 he became the last US soldier to board the final military flight out of Kabul, an image that turned him into a public symbol of that withdrawal. Since becoming defense secretary, Hegseth has dismissed or sidelined a number of top officers, often without detailed public explanation.

Tensions over 'woke' policies and Afghanistan

US media reports, citing officials, link Donahue’s removal to two points of friction with Hegseth. In 2023, the general publicly pushed back against Republican claims that the military was dominated by a "woke" ideology, a charge Hegseth has made central to his agenda. Hegseth and former president Donald Trump have also long criticized the chaotic 2021 exit from Afghanistan and associated Donahue with that episode. Hegseth blocked efforts to transfer Donahue to another senior post.

Parting words ahead of NATO summit

At his last public appearance, on Tuesday in Estonia, Donahue delivered remarks one week before a NATO summit in Ankara. His message contrasted sharply with repeated Trump administration critiques of the alliance.

“Europe bears more responsibility than ever before in the last 35 years. I am certain you are ready to do more and back your words with deeds, and the United States will stand by you.”

“NATO is stronger today than ever before.”

A widening leadership shake-up

Donahue’s exit fits a pattern that Pentagon officials describe as Hegseth’s overhaul of military leadership. The position of commander of US Army forces in Europe and Africa is being downgraded, and earlier efforts to place Donahue in other top roles were blocked. The general had been considered a strong candidate to lead the US Army.