WHY IS OKLAHOMA SENATOR MARKWAYNE MULLIN BLOCKING A FOUR-STAR GENERAL'S PROMOTION?


By bblouin
Markwayne Mullins.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan was messy to put it likely. Unfortunately, terrorists were able to ramp up efforts as American forces exited the country, causing plenty of chaos and several deaths surrounding the Kabul airport as the U.S. evacuated. Army Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was part of the leadership involved with the exit and is now up to be promoted to a Four-Star General. However, Senator Markwayne Mullin is blocking the promotion during a time when politics continue to clash with our nation’s military.

Why Senator Markwayne Mullin is Blocking Donahue’s Promotion

Despite the office of Markwayne Mullin remaining quiet on the subject, sometimes you can say a lot without saying anything at all.

For example, President-elect Donald Trump is surrounding himself with leaders who want to go after military leaders; specifically, those involved with the United States pulling out of Afghanistan.

Now, Mullin, a Republican senator for Oklahoma, is blocking the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue as Trump’s administration prepares to take over in 2025.

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Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue and the Afghanistan Withdrawal

Markwayne Mullin went undefeated in his MMA career, but his political battle is still being fought.

The role Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue played in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal has Mullin supporting rhetoric surrounding potential court-martial proceedings against current and former officers involved with leaving the country.

Lt. Gen. Donahue was the last U.S. service member to leave Afghanistan and is being nominated to become a Four-Star General, overseeing the Army in Europe.

Donahue’s nomination was one of over 900 sent to the Senate, but Mullin specifically singled it out for a hold.

A now-viral night-vision photo shows Donahue boarding the final U.S. military plane out of Kabul, symbolizing the end of America’s 20-year war.

As Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Donahue oversaw the evacuation of U.S. forces, embassy staff, and Afghan allies during the withdrawal.

Donahue currently commands the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Liberty in North Carolina.

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Not Everyone Is a Fan of Markwayne Mullin’s Decision

Stalling the promotions of military members for political reasons has been making news the last few years, with a notable high-profile example surrounding Tommy Tuberville and his 10-month protest.

However, just because the methods have been used recently does not mean they’re necessarily popular with everyone—even within the Republican party.

Critics of Mullin’s decision include retired Gen. Tony Thomas, who called it a “disgrace” and accused the Oklahoma Senator of using Donahue as a “political pawn.”

Heather Nauert, the former Spokesperson for the United States Department of State and a noted Trump supporter, has also criticized Mullins believing his efforts unfair unless he can present new facts justifying his decision to block the promotion.

Holding up promotions for political reasons is detrimental to our nation’s armed forces and the timing is making things worse.

The Senate’s recess combined with a Congress controlled by Republicans in 2025 could delay Donahue’s promotion for even longer as a result.

If Sen. Markwayne Mullin believes Donahue should not be promoted but doesn’t have the evidence to back up this claim, holding up promotions for the sake of the political game could hurt our nation.

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