Army secretary leaves after clashes with Hegseth

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President JD Vance, has resigned after escalating tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a source familiar with the situation. Driscoll, who was expected to leave by the end of the year, cited clashes over matters such as the removal of high-ranking Army officers as a factor in his decision to depart, leaving the post without a Senate-confirmed leader.

In a statement to Semafor, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll's effectiveness in advancing President Trump's agenda at the Department of the Army, highlighting his leadership during historic military operations, the emphasis on readiness and lethality, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and other accomplishments.

Deputy Undersecretary Dave Fitzgerald, one of Driscoll's underlings, is also leaving, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Hegseth has been taking steps to consolidate power at the Pentagon, which wields significant influence over foreign policy goals. Last week, he blocked the promotion of additional Army generals.

When asked about Hegseth's reported presidential ambitions, Trump stated that his defense chief is "doing a fantastic job," but emphasized that it was too early to discuss such matters.