U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning after serving for 18 months, as announced by the White House on Monday. This move adds to the list of top military officials departing during the second term of U.S. President Donald Trump. While no specific reason was provided for Driscoll’s departure, reports suggest tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth might have played a role. The army has been experiencing significant leadership changes, with notable departures in recent months.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly commended Driscoll for his effective leadership in advancing President Trump’s military objectives, emphasizing the focus on readiness, lethality, and involvement in diplomatic efforts between Russia and Ukraine. The statement highlighted Driscoll’s contribution to strengthening the U.S. Army in collaboration with the president and the secretary of war.
Earlier this year, Navy Secretary John Phelan became the first military service head to exit during Trump’s second term, followed by the removal of Gen. Randy George and the unexpected resignation of Gen. Christopher Donahue from their respective army positions. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who rose swiftly under Hegseth’s guidance, assumed George’s role as the army’s acting chief of staff. LaNeve’s directive to discontinue a drone modernization program previously supported by Driscoll led to an army unit in Europe reverting to a traditional infantry battalion.
Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and former adviser to Vice-President JD Vance, was described by Trump as a “disruptor and change agent” upon his nomination. As army secretary, Driscoll played a key role in negotiating peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine and promoting the swift development of drone technology to adapt to evolving warfare tactics worldwide. His confirmation by the U.S. Senate in February 2025 focused on modernizing army systems, enhancing recruitment strategies, and strengthening the military industrial base.
Coming from a family with a military background, Driscoll expressed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of soldiers during his tenure. His military experience includes serving as an armour officer in Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Despite his unsuccessful congressional bid in 2020, Driscoll’s dedication to public service and military advancement has been recognized by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
