US Army secretary expected to step down by year's end after months of tension with Hegseth - report

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is anticipated to resign by year's end, leaving the Army without a Senate-confirmed leader following months of discord with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This comes after Hegseth dismissed General Randy George as army chief of staff without explanation in April, prompting criticism from Republicans and Driscoll, who praised George as "an amazing, transformative leader."

President Donald Trump has yet to nominate a successor for Driscoll. Hegseth's former senior military aide, General Christopher LaNeve, has been acting as army chief of staff. Reports of tension between Driscoll and Hegseth surfaced early in the Trump administration when Hegseth refused Driscoll's proposal to organize a meeting between US Vice President JD Vance, Trump, and soldiers to discuss military reform.

Driscoll and George were known for their efforts to modernize the US military, integrating new technology into its operations. They also traveled to Ukraine with General Chris Donahue to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding peace negotiations. During his tenure, Driscoll advocated for the military to adopt tactics similar to those used by the Ukrainian army, leveraging commercial technology on the battlefield.

Private companies have pledged to invest over $25 billion in developing data centers, critical mineral refineries, and dining facilities at army bases nationwide following Driscoll's initiatives.

Driscoll and his family left the residence designated for the army secretary at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, where several high-ranking defense officials resided; his family moved to North Carolina, and Driscoll himself transferred to a smaller apartment on base. President Trump praised Driscoll last month, describing him as "one of the best guys," highlighting his smile and competence.