Senator Halts General's Promotion Amid Afghanistan Withdrawal Controversy

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin has blocked the promotion of Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who was involved in the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, to a four-star rank. The hold is intended to allow the new Republican-controlled Congress and President-elect Donald Trump to review the promotion. The move is seen as politically motivated, with efforts underway to lift the hold. Donahue was the last U.S. soldier to leave Afghanistan, and the withdrawal has been criticized for its chaotic execution.