Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned from his position, as reported by Reuters. This marks another significant departure in a series of high-level changes at the Pentagon. The Wall Street Journal initially reported Driscoll’s resignation.
Driscoll, in office since February 2025, was known for his alliance with former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George. General George was removed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier in the year. Driscoll’s exit comes as Hegseth faces scrutiny over his numerous personnel changes involving senior military leaders.
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly praised Driscoll for his contributions in an email to Newsweek. She highlighted his efforts in strengthening the U.S. Army’s readiness, leadership during military operations, involvement in Russia-Ukraine negotiations, and more.
“Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army…,” Kelly stated.
Driscoll’s Diplomatic Role
During his tenure, Driscoll assumed an atypical diplomatic role within the Trump administration. He was pivotal in negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. The Associated Press noted his involvement in advancing drone technologies for military use.
Wider Pentagon Turnover
Driscoll’s resignation coincides with numerous changes under Secretary Hegseth’s leadership. Several senior army commanders and civilian leaders have left or been removed, contributing to a pattern of turnover.
Rajan Menon, a professor emeritus at the City College of New York, remarked on the unusual level of upheaval within the Department of Defense. Menon observed that the extent of change at the Pentagon went beyond Driscoll’s departure, representing significant organizational instability.
Recent Pentagon Leadership Changes
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll (reportedly stepping down)
- Former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George (fired)
- Former General Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (stepped down)
- Former General David Hodne, head of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (fired)
- Former Major General William Green, Army’s chief of chaplains (fired)
- Former Navy Secretary John Phelan (departed immediately)
Context of Driscoll’s Resignation
Driscoll’s exit comes amid the ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran. His departure is notable as the Army’s senior leadership undergoes a reshaping, prompting more inquiries about Hegseth’s leadership.
Public opinion on the U.S. involvement in Iran is waning. A University of Massachusetts Amherst poll shows 68 percent disapproval of Trump’s handling of the conflict, while a YouGov/Economist poll indicated similar dissatisfaction. These surveys reflect declining support for U.S. military actions in Iran.