Key facts
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned.
- Driscoll cited friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over ousting generals and modernization programs.
- White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised Driscoll's effectiveness.
- Driscoll served as an armor officer and deployed to Iraq.
- Driscoll was previously an advisor to Vice President JD Vance.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after 18 months, the White House announced Monday. The departure follows widely reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, particularly concerning the ousting of senior military leaders and Army modernization programs. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised Driscoll's leadership, stating he advanced President Trump's agenda, restored emphasis on readiness and lethality, and assisted with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and former advisor to Vice President JD Vance, was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. His resignation comes amid significant upheaval in Army leadership, including the ousting of former Army chief Gen. Randy George and the unexpected departure of Gen. Christopher Donahue. Under the new acting chief of staff, Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army is reportedly discontinuing a drone modernization program that Driscoll had supported.
Driscoll had expressed regret over George's departure and acknowledged the civilian leadership's prerogative to select leaders. He was nominated by President Trump in 2024, who described him as a "disruptor and change agent." Driscoll's tenure also involved efforts to streamline military contractor processes for drone development and counter-drone capabilities.
The Pentagon referred questions to the Army, and Driscoll's resignation was previously reported by The Wall Street Journal. His departure could leave the Army without a Senate-confirmed civilian leader during a period of ongoing overseas operations.