Hegseth backs Trump's first Black American pick to command US Army Europe and Africa amid Pentagon military shake-up
The United States has nominated Lieutenant General Kevin D. Admiral to lead its Army operations in Europe and Africa, making him the first Black officer nominated by a Trump administration and the second Black American overall in line for the role amid a wider Pentagon military shake-up.
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The United States has nominated Lieutenant General Kevin D. Admiral to lead its Army operations in Europe and Africa, making him the first Black officer nominated by a Trump administration and the second Black American overall in line for the role amid a wider Pentagon military shake-up.
- Lieutenant General Kevin D. Admiral has been nominated to lead US Army operations in Europe and Africa, as part of a Pentagon leadership shake-up.
- If confirmed, Admiral will be the second Black American to command US Army Europe and Africa, following General Darryl Williams.
- Admiral would also assume command of NATO’s Allied Land Command but remain a three-star general due to the position’s downgrade.
- These leadership changes coincide with increased US military activities and cooperation in Africa amid competition from Russia and China.
President Donald Trump nominated Admiral on July 23, 2026, in an announcement made by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
If confirmed by the Senate, he will become the fourth permanent commander of US Army Europe and Africa since the two commands were merged in 2020.
His nomination forms part of a broader Pentagon leadership shake-up that has included the early departure of senior officers and the downgrading of several top commands.
Lieutenant General Kevin D. Admiral would also command NATO’s Allied Land Command but remain a three-star general because the position, previously held by a four-star officer, has been downgraded.
Washington changes military leadership
Meanwhile, Admiral has been selected as the permanent replacement for General Christopher Donahue, who left the role earlier than expected.
Major General Christopher Norrie has served as acting commander since Donahue’s departure.
Reports said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth forced Donahue out, although the Pentagon has not publicly given a detailed explanation.
Admiral currently commands the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood in Texas, after previously leading the 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Europe.
However, his publicly available record does not show that he previously led an Africa-focused command.
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Second Black commander
If confirmed, Admiral would become the first Black officer nominated by a Trump administration and the second Black general overall to lead US Army Europe and Africa, after General Darryl Williams became the first to head the combined command in June 2022 under former President Joe Biden.
More broadly, Admiral would join a small group of Black American generals entrusted with major responsibilities over US military engagement in Africa.
General William “Kip” Ward became the first commander of US Africa Command when AFRICOM began operations in 2007.
Marine Corps General Michael Langley became AFRICOM’s sixth commander in August 2022 and the first Black four-star general in US Marine Corps history, serving until August 2025.
General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, whom Trump nominated in 2025, now leads AFRICOM as its seventh commander.
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US moves to regain ground in Africa
The leadership changes come as the US faces stronger competition from Russia and China across Africa.
Russia has expanded military ties with governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, while China remains a major defence supplier and infrastructure partner across the continent.
Washington has responded by strengthening cooperation with selected African countries and adopting a more direct approach to counterterrorism.
In May 2026, AFRICOM carried out coordinated strikes with Nigeria against Islamic State fighters in the country’s northeast. The command said it conducted operations on May 16, May 17 and May 18.
Meanwhile, Morocco hosted the main phase of African Lion 2026, AFRICOM’s largest annual military exercise. The wider drills also involved Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.
The US and Morocco are also developing an Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Centre to test drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced military communications.
Washington seeks return to Mali
At the same time, the Trump administration is seeking to restore security cooperation with Mali after years of strained relations.
The US is nearing an agreement that would allow American aircraft and drones to resume intelligence operations over Mali against groups linked to al-Qaeda.
Washington also lifted sanctions on senior Malian military officials as part of efforts to improve relations with Bamako, which has maintained close defence ties with Russia.
