Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns Amid Pentagon Leadership Turmoil
Dan Driscoll is leaving his job as the civilian leader of the United States Army.
He gave his resignation to President Donald Trump.
The White House confirmed that he is leaving and praised his work, but did not say why he resigned.
News reports say Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disagreed about Army plans and the removal of senior officers.
Driscoll had worked closely with Gen.
Randy George, who was also removed from his Army leadership role.
Driscoll supported using drones and other new technology in warfare.
Companies also promised more than $25 billion for projects connected to Army facilities during his time in office.
His departure adds to a series of military leadership changes while US forces remain involved in the conflict with Iran.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump after about 18 months in office.
The White House confirmed his departure but did not provide an official reason.
Reports attributed the resignation to prolonged tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Army priorities and senior-officer decisions.
Driscoll had worked closely with Gen. Randy George, whose removal contributed to upheaval in Army leadership.
His tenure emphasized drones, military modernization, personnel conditions, and more than $25 billion in private investment pledges.
- Who
- Dan Driscoll, secretary of the United States Army, submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump.
- What
- Driscoll resigned amid reported disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Army priorities, modernization, and senior-officer decisions.
- When
- The White House confirmed the resignation on Monday; Driscoll was confirmed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.
- Where
- The resignation affects the Pentagon and the Department of the Army.
- Why
- No official reason was announced; reports cited months of friction with Hegseth.
Reported internal concerns
Official White House assessment
Reason for resignation
Reported internal concerns
Reports attributed Driscoll’s departure to months of tension with Hegseth over Army priorities, promotions, and the removal of senior officers.
Official White House assessment
The White House confirmed the resignation without identifying a specific cause.
Effect on Army leadership
Reported internal concerns
Some lawmakers and reports warned that the removal and departure of senior leaders could damage morale and leave the Army weakened or without clear leadership.
Official White House assessment
The White House said Driscoll provided outstanding leadership, restored emphasis on readiness and lethality, and helped advance the president’s agenda.
Modernization priorities
Reported internal concerns
Driscoll promoted drones, commercial technology, and lessons from Ukraine, while reports said some of these efforts faced opposition or rollback under Hegseth-aligned leadership.
Official White House assessment
The White House highlighted Driscoll’s broader record in military operations, readiness, and Army modernization without addressing the reported policy disagreements.
- Resigning official
- Dan Driscoll, secretary of the United States Army
- Resignation recipient
- President Donald Trump
- White House response
- Spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll’s leadership and said he advanced the administration’s Army agenda.
- Reported reason
- Reports cited prolonged friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Army direction and personnel decisions.
- Senate confirmation
- Driscoll was confirmed on February 25, 2025, by a 66-28 vote.
- Military background
- He served as an Army officer with the 10th Mountain Division and deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Investment pledges
- Private companies pledged more than $25 billion for data centers, critical-mineral refineries, and dining facilities at Army installations.
Sources
Trump-Era Military Shakeup Deepens As US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns Amid Reported Pete Hegseth Tensions
Trump admin hit by another top-level exit as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigns
Trump’s ‘Drone Guy’ quits amid Pentagon feud: Who is Dan Driscoll?
Pentagon turmoil deepens amid Iran war as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll quits after Hegseth rift
