Army Secretary Dan Driscoll May Resign Amidst Leadership Disputes and Weakness on Defense
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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly considering leaving his post before the end of the year, as sources point to ongoing clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the direction and strength of the military.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly contemplating resignation before the end of 2026, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news, later confirmed by CBS News, which reached out to the Pentagon and Army for comment. This speculation follows months of tension between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has taken decisive action to strengthen the military's leadership. In April, Hegseth removed Gen. Randy George—a longtime ally of Driscoll known for his soft approach—from the Army chief of staff position and urged him to retire early. George, in a parting email to Driscoll and staff, called for 'courageous leaders of character,' a statement that some see as a veiled criticism of the administration's lack of resolve. Driscoll's possible departure comes as the Army reportedly plans to eliminate the Unmanned Assault Battalion, a drone unit created last year to analyze lessons from drone warfare, particularly in Ukraine. The unit, established by George and Gen. Christopher Donahue, has been a point of contention, with many senior officers questioning its effectiveness and necessity. Acting Army chief of staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who took over after George's exit, supports the move to refocus the Army on proven strategies rather than experimental units. Driscoll, 39, has served as Army secretary since his Senate confirmation in February 2025. His background includes four years as an Army officer with deployment to Iraq, a Yale law degree, and experience in private equity and venture capital. In a November interview, Driscoll said, 'I don't think I've talked to a single person who has said we shouldn't be learning from what's occurring in Ukraine.' His potential resignation highlights ongoing debates about the military's readiness and the need for strong, unwavering leadership in the face of global threats.