Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns After 18 Months Amid Ongoing Leadership Changes
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced his resignation after a year and a half in the role, joining a series of recent senior military departures during the Trump administration.
Washington — Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said he will step down after 18 months on the job, the White House announced Monday. No official reason was provided for his departure, though reports have highlighted tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a broader pattern of turnover in Army leadership.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised Driscoll’s tenure, saying he advanced the administration’s agenda, emphasized readiness and lethality, and was involved in diplomatic efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A senior Army official, speaking anonymously, said Driscoll discussed the Army’s condition with President Donald Trump before submitting his resignation. The Pentagon referred further inquiries to the Army.
Driscoll’s exit follows the removal of several other senior officers, including the service’s top uniformed leader, Gen. Randy George, and the Army’s commander in Europe and Africa, Gen. Christopher Donahue. Under Acting Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army halted a drone modernization program that had been underway in Europe.
Members of Congress from both parties offered remarks. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) described Driscoll as a “transformative leader” who improved readiness, while Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) called his departure “unfortunate” and expressed concern about the Pentagon’s stability. Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) noted Driscoll’s work on future-battlefield modernization and his frequent engagement with lawmakers.
Driscoll, an Iraq-war veteran and former tech investor, was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. His background includes service as an armor officer, a brief congressional campaign in 2020, and advisory work for Vice President JD Vance. He was also tasked with diplomatic outreach in the Russia-Ukraine war and efforts to streamline drone development for the Army.
The resignation adds to a series of high-level departures that have characterized the Trump administration’s second term, including the earlier exit of Navy Secretary John Phelan.