Top US general in Europe to retire amid Pentagon turmoil, military shake-up
The commander of US Army Europe and Africa, General Christopher Todd Donahue, is preparing to leave his post, raising fresh concerns about stability within the Pentagon.
Donahue is expected to step down in July, according to multiple media reports and sources familiar with the matter.
His departure comes amid an unprecedented wave of leadership changes that has reshaped the upper ranks of the US armed forces since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Donahue assumed command of US Army Europe and Africa in December 2024 and was widely viewed as a leading candidate for future senior military positions.
However, reports indicate that disagreements with Secretary of War Peter Brian Hegseth, and ongoing Pentagon restructuring efforts complicated his prospects within the military hierarchy.
His retirement coincides with plans to reduce the status of the US army command in Europe and Africa from a four-star to a three-star command.
The move forms part of a broader review of America’s military footprint in Europe as the Trump administration seeks to reduce troop deployments and intensify pressure on NATO members over defense spending.
Donahue’s exit follows a string of departures involving senior military leaders, including former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown Jr., former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife, former Defense Intelligence Agency Director General Jeffrey Kruse, and the former US representative to NATO’s Military Committee Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield.
The developments have sparked concern among lawmakers and national security observers.
In February, Senator Thomas Roland Tillis warned on social media, “If the rumors are true that Hegseth is trying to sideline General Chris Donahue by downgrading US Army Europe-Africa to a 3-star command, he is taking another step down a dangerous path.”
Following Donahue’s retirement, Major General Christopher Norrie is expected to assume command on an acting basis.
Critics of the Trump administration warn that the rapid turnover of senior military leaders during a period of mounting international tensions risks creating uncertainty among NATO allies and further weakening confidence in US military leadership.
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