Executive Branch

Trump Nominates Marine General to Be New Head of Southern Command

Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan is currently the vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, having served in this position since 2022.
Trump Nominates Marine General to Be New Head of Southern Command
U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan, vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, participates in a tour of Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters in Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 6, 2024. Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli/U.S. Air Force
Troy Myers
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President Donald Trump nominated Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan on Dec. 19 to be the new leader of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

Donovan is currently the vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, serving in this position since 2022. His nomination comes about a week after the previous leader resigned amid rising tensions with Venezuela and increasing airstrikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats.

Troy Myers
Troy Myers
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Troy Myers is a regional reporter based in St. Augustine, Florida. His background includes breaking, criminal justice, and investigative writing for local news, producing on a national morning newscast in Washington, D.C., and working with an award-winning, weekly investigative news program. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog at the beach.