Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired a highly respected four-star general after developing an obsession with a photograph mistakenly identified as a "selfie," according to senior Pentagon officials who spoke to The New York Times. The image depicted General Christopher Donahue, 57, as the last service member to depart Afghanistan on August 30, 2021.
The photograph, captured by an army photographer using a cellphone and night-vision device at 11:59 p.m. on August 30, 2021, showed Donahue boarding the final plane leaving the Kabul airport just before the deadline for American withdrawal. The image quickly went viral online.
This incident occurred shortly after a deadly attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, where an ISIS suicide bomber killed 13 U.S. service members and at least 170 Afghans. The withdrawal itself and the subsequent attack drew criticism, with former President Donald Trump labeling it "the most embarrassing moment in the history of the United States."
Context of the Withdrawal
General Donahue had been involved in complex negotiations with the Taliban to facilitate the evacuation of American citizens and allies. He met with Taliban commander Qari Hamdullah Mokhlis on August 17, 2021, to establish a partnership, acknowledging the shared threat posed by the Islamic State terror group. The U.S. military was focused on securing the airport, while the Taliban controlled surrounding checkpoints, tasked with allowing passage for Americans and allies while preventing potential attackers.
The Abbey Gate, under the control of Marines, was identified as a primary target for the terror group. The fatal attack occurred on August 26, 2021, as Marines were preparing to hand over control to Donahue's troops. The attack resulted in the deaths of eleven Marines, one Navy medic, one Army soldier, and numerous Afghans.
The Photograph and its Aftermath
Upon landing in Qatar after his departure from Kabul, Donahue learned his wife already knew they had left because the photograph of him boarding the plane had been widely circulated. He reportedly recognized the image as problematic, stating, "This is not good."
According to reports, Hegseth, who had previously resigned from the Army and advocated for reducing the number of generals, became fixated on the photo, believing it to be a "selfie." Despite explanations from Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, that the photo was not a selfie, that Donahue had no control over its distribution, and that Marines were in charge of the gate during the attack, Hegseth allegedly dismissed these facts, stating, "I don't care."
Donahue, considered a top candidate for a future command role, faced opposition from Hegseth. Efforts by Republican Senator Tim Sheehy to support Donahue were reportedly met with resistance, with General Dan Caine suggesting that such support fueled Hegseth's perception of Donahue's power. Senator Joni Ernst's attempt to suggest Donahue for a leadership position instead of Hegseth's preferred candidate, General Christopher LaNeve, was also reportedly rebuffed.
After a period of alleged avoidance and rescheduling of meetings by Hegseth, General Donahue retired on August 27. The Daily Beast reported that Hegseth has been responsible for the dismissal or blocked promotion of approximately 80 high-ranking officers, representing about 10 percent of the U.S. military's senior leadership.