Former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Discusses Rift with Defense Secretary Hegseth
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Dan Driscoll, who left the Pentagon in September, said his departure stemmed from disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, describing a mixed record of agreement and conflict.
Former Army secretary Dan Driscoll spoke to Rolling Stone about his resignation from the Pentagon in September, citing disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll said the two officials often disagreed, but estimated they aligned on more than half of the issues they discussed.
“Once he makes a decision, there’s nothing I can do about it. I don’t have to like it, but it’s unfair to describe our relationship as uniformly negative,” Driscoll said.
He added that he would not disclose private conversations but emphasized that both men were “very passionate about our positions.” Driscoll described his role as advocating for leaders he considered effective and highlighted his background as an Iraq-war veteran, tech investor and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance.
The interview noted that Hegseth has pursued a “warfighter” focus and has overseen the dismissal of several senior generals, including Gen. Randy George and Gen. Christopher Donahue, whom Driscoll had supported on modernization initiatives. Driscoll told President Donald Trump in late August that he would resign, saying the turnover of officials working on his modernization agenda contributed to his decision.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed the Rolling Stone interview, calling the magazine “a fake news rag” and alleging it contained “made-up claims” about Hegseth’s record. Parnell said Hegseth has prioritized modernization and “delivered on President Trump’s vision of Peace Through Strength.”
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised Driscoll’s tenure, saying he was “highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda” and that the Army is “more powerful than ever” because of his work.