U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on as he takes part in a family photo during a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 18, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Military sources who recently spoke to The Atlantic about the departure of a high-ranking leader warned that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's "war on warriors" is causing havoc within the military.
On Tuesday, The Atlantic reported that General Chris Donahue had unexpectedly departed the military. Donahue was considered a "rising star" within the ranks, and had led forces across Europe and Africa. He was tasked with helping Ukraine bolster its fight against Russian invasion, according to the report.
The Atlantic noted that Donahue's departure came at a time when the Trump administration claimed to be reviewing its military capacity across Europe. But some sources who spoke to the outlet about Donahue's departure had a more concerning story to tell.
“It’s interesting that the guy who says he wants to bring back the warrior culture is expunging the biggest warriors in the Army ranks,” one retired Army officer told the outlet. “This is not a war on woke. This is a war on warriors.”
Another source indicated that Donahue's departure could set off a chain reaction that the Trump administration is currently unprepared for.
"The departures in the most senior ranks have become so frequent—and sudden—that Senate Democrats added a line in the latest Pentagon budget proposal calling for congressional notification before officer promotions are delayed or withheld," according to the report. "Donahue’s deputy, Major General Christopher Norrie, will serve as acting commander when Donahue departs, people familiar with the matter told us. Lieutenant General Kevin Admiral, who is expected to be the administration’s candidate to replace Donahue, they said, has yet to be nominated."