Transcript: Sen. Tim Kaine on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 28, 2026

The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 28, 2026. MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who joins us from Brussels. Good morning to you, Senator. SENATOR TIM KAINE: Great to be with you, Margaret. Thanks. MARGARET BRENNAN: Because you are in Europe, I want to ask you about exactly what is going on with the U.S. Army Europe General Chris Donahue. We know he was ordered by Secretary Hegseth to turn in his retirement papers, he's going to relinquish command July 2, relinquish NATO command July 9. Do you have any indication why this very well-respected general is getting pushed out the door? SEN. KAINE: Margaret, I am in Europe with a bipartisan delegation of senators visiting NATO allies and our troops, talking primarily about NATO summit next week and support for Ukraine. I will say on General Donahue, a lot of questions and very few answers. He was very well regarded in the Armed Services Committee, where I sit, both sides of the aisle thought really highly of him, and so the news that he was being ushered out caught us all by surprise, and we don't yet have good answers from the Pentagon. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, it's part of a bigger question as to the changes Secretary Hegseth is making at the Pentagon. Retired Admiral Bill McRaven, people know him from commanding the raid to take out Osama bin Laden. …