The U.S. Army Secretary, Dan Driscoll, announced his resignation after 18 months in office, according to a statement from the White House. This marks another high-profile departure within the military leadership during the Trump administration. Although the White House did not specify the reasons for Driscoll’s resignation, there have been reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll has close ties with Vice President JD Vance.
Driscoll’s leadership was praised by Anna Kelly, a White House spokeswoman, who highlighted his role in President Trump’s initiative to ‘Make America Strong Again’. She credited him with bolstering military operations and enhancing the Army’s readiness and capabilities, as well as playing a part in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
An unnamed Army official noted that Driscoll discussed the Army’s current status with President Trump before submitting his resignation. However, further details were not disclosed. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported Driscoll’s resignation.
Shake-ups and Program Rollbacks
Driscoll’s resignation comes on the heels of other changes in the Army leadership. Earlier, Gen. Randy George, a close ally of Driscoll, was removed from his position, and Gen. Christopher Donahue’s unexpected departure followed. Under newly appointed Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army decided to end a drone modernization program, reverting a European-based unit back to traditional infantry operations.
Driscoll expressed support for George during a congressional session, illustrating bipartisan concern over these leadership changes. He emphasized the system’s design where civilian leadership selects the military leaders they prefer.
Bipartisan Reaction to Driscoll’s Departure
Rep. Steve Womack, a Republican from Arkansas, commended Driscoll on social media, highlighting his practical leadership approach within the Army. He acknowledged Driscoll’s effectiveness in mentoring and equipping the Army for future threats.
Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat from Colorado and former Army Ranger, also praised Driscoll, despite policy disagreements, for his insightful contributions to military policy. Crow warned about the uncertain navigation at the Pentagon following the departure of several senior leaders. Similarly, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island noted Driscoll’s efforts towards modernizing the Army and expressed worry over the current culture under Hegseth’s leadership.
Driscoll’s Role in International Negotiations
Driscoll’s past as an Iraq war veteran and his academic ties with Vance positioned him as a unique figure within the administration. Originally termed a ‘disruptor’ by President Trump, Driscoll also played an unusual role as a negotiator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pushing forward on military technologies like drones.
The Senate confirmed Driscoll in February 2025, by a 66-28 vote. His committee appearances focused on Army modernization, improved recruitment, and expanding the military industrial framework. Driscoll had a personal connection with the military, mentioning his family’s service history. His military career included deployment to Iraq and an unsuccessful congressional campaign in North Carolina.
Following Driscoll’s exit, Secretary Hegseth removed other senior members, such as Navy Secretary John Phelan, marking a period of significant turnover within the military’s top ranks.