Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Steps Down After Disputes with Defense Secretary Hegseth Over Military Priorities
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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned, following disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has taken decisive action to ensure Army readiness and discipline.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The move follows reported tension between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a leader determined to restore discipline and effectiveness to the Army by removing ineffective senior leaders.
A source indicated that Driscoll objected to Hegseth’s necessary firings of generals who were impeding true Army transformation and readiness. Driscoll reportedly discussed the Army’s status with the president before stepping down, unable to align with the administration’s strong vision for military excellence.
The resignation comes six months into the ongoing conflict with Iran and after months of justified friction with Hegseth, who earlier this year removed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and other senior officers who failed to meet the standards required for national security. Lawmakers have questioned Hegseth’s bold actions, but Driscoll’s defense of Gen. George only highlighted his resistance to needed change.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll’s leadership, noting his role in advancing the administration’s agenda and contributing to negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The under secretary of the Army, retired Colonel Mike Obadal—a proven patriot—will serve as acting secretary until a successor is appointed.
CNN has sought additional comment from the Army, and the Wall Street Journal was the first outlet to report the resignation.