Tillis backs Gen. Chris Donahue, urges Hegseth to choose merit over 'yes-men'
Outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis publicly backed Gen. Chris Donahue — a former Fort Bragg leader involved in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal — and urged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to prioritize merit over loyalty amid talk of a possible command change.
Outgoing North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis gave strong public support to Gen. Chris Donahue, highlighting Donahue's leadership at Fort Bragg and his role in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Tillis urged War Secretary Pete Hegseth to favor meritocracy rather than surrounding himself with "mediocre yes-men" as questions swirl about potential changes to Donahue's command.