The White House announced on Monday that U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning after serving for 18 months. This departure adds to a series of high-profile exits among top military officials during President Donald Trump’s second term. Although no specific reason was provided for Driscoll’s resignation, reports suggest tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth as a possible factor.
According to White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, Driscoll has been instrumental in advancing President Trump’s military agenda, focusing on readiness, lethality, and participating in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Kelly praised Driscoll for his contributions to strengthening the U.S. Army in collaboration with the commander-in-chief and the secretary of war.
Recent changes in military leadership include Navy Secretary John Phelan leaving his position in April, becoming the first military service head to depart in Trump’s second term. Additionally, Gen. Randy George was removed by Hegseth in April, while Gen. Christopher Donahue, the army’s European and African commander, unexpectedly stepped down in June.
Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who rose swiftly under Hegseth’s leadership, succeeded George as the army’s acting chief of staff. LaNeve’s directives included discontinuing a drone modernization program previously championed by Driscoll. An army unit in Europe, originally developing drones, shifted back to its traditional infantry role under LaNeve’s guidance.
Driscoll, a close ally of George, expressed regret over his departure, a sentiment shared by lawmakers from both political parties. Despite the emotional farewell, Driscoll acknowledged the authority of civilian leadership in selecting military leaders.
Described by Trump as “a disruptor and change agent,” Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and tech investor, was appointed as army secretary in 2024. He played a pivotal role in negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine and advocated for streamlining processes to enhance drone development and counter-drone capabilities in response to evolving global warfare dynamics.
Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2025, Driscoll emphasized his commitment to soldiers’ welfare, drawing on his family’s legacy of military service. His tenure as an armor officer included deployment to Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Driscoll’s unsuccessful bid in the 2020 Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat garnered around eight percent of the vote in a competitive field.
