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.
Special Operations Command describes Donovan as a Marine general with extensive experience in the Middle East as an infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations officer who has served in combat, contingency, and expeditionary operations on land and sea.
Donovan has a Bachelor of Arts in geography from Towson University, a master of military studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, according to the U.S. Special Operations Command.
He and his wife, a former Navy officer, have two children who are active-duty Marines.
If confirmed as the new SOUTHCOM head, Donovan would command operations in Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean, including the rising tensions in the region.
The previous head of SOUTHCOM, Adm. Alvin Holsey, was overseeing the increased airstrikes on drug-smuggling boats. Less than a year into his tenure, he announced his intention to retire before the year was over in October. On Dec. 12, he handed over command with two years left in his tenure to Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, who is serving as acting head of SOUTHCOM.
Holsey has not publicly given a reason for his departure.
The United States has launched more than two dozen strikes against what officials said are confirmed narco-terrorists in the Pacific and Caribbean as part of Operation Southern Spear. The Trump administration's campaign to stop drug trafficking into the country began a few months ago.
Donovan's nomination as the new leader for SOUTHCOM also comes as the United States has increased pressure against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which U.S. officials have accused of drug trafficking and corruption. Maduro and his officials have denied the allegations and criticized the United States' sanctions and military actions.
Trump said Thursday he isn’t ruling out the possibility of war with the South American country. This comment came just days after Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.