A top Army general set to announce retirement in abrupt move: Official
One of the Army’s most experienced and high-profile officers is leaving the force suddenly and is expected to announce his retirement Wednesday, according to a U.S. official.
Gen. Chris Donahue has spent the past 18 months leading U.S. Army Europe and Africa, responsible for Army operations on both continents.
Donahue is expected to relinquish his command at a change of command ceremony next week, according to another U.S. official.
His departure comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continues a sweeping overhaul of the Pentagon’s top ranks, firing or sidelining scores of senior officers with little public comment, including the Army’s top military officer. Gen. Randy George.
US Army – PHOTO: Gen. Chris Donahue assumes command of US Army Europe and Africa in December 2024.
Hegseth fires Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Randy George
The command Donahue currently commands will be downgraded from a four-star command to a three-star post, according to another U.S. official. This is part of Hegseth’s broader effort to reduce the number of generals in the force.
Officers serving as four-star generals can only hold a position at this rank. If there is no other quota left, the only option left is to retire.
Evan Vucci/Reuters – PHOTO: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House on May 27, 2026 in Washington.
Army secretary calls general fired after Hegseth ousts him ‘transformative’
The Atlantic first reported Donahue’s expected departure. The Pentagon has not yet made an official statement.
III of the Army Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, the current commander of the Armored Corps, is expected to be nominated to take over the position.
Donahue’s resume includes command of the Army’s elite Delta Force and the famed 82nd Airborne Division, as well as extensive combat experience throughout two decades of war. Within the military, he has long been viewed as one of the military’s most senior officers and a potential future Chief of Staff.
U.S. Central Command Public Affairs/U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Alex Burnett – PHOTO: Last American Soldier leaves Afghanistan
As the last US soldier to leave Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal, he was photographed with night vision boarding a C-17 while commanding the 82nd Airborne Division, drawing further public attention.
