US army secretary Dan Driscoll steps down after 18 months in service

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned after approximately 18 months in the position, joining a series of high-ranking military officials who have departed the Trump administration amid a significant reshuffle of Pentagon leadership. The White House announced Driscoll's departure on Monday, but did not provide a reason for his resignation.

A US Army official stated that Driscoll had discussed the state of the Army with President Donald Trump prior to submitting his resignation, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The move follows months of reported tensions between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Prior to his resignation, Driscoll had been regarded as a rising star within the administration and was considered a potential alternative to Hegseth. However, the White House has defended Driscoll's tenure, highlighting his contributions to advancing the Trump defense agenda, bolstering Army readiness and lethality, supporting military operations, and assisting in US efforts to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Driscoll's resignation occurs amidst a highly volatile period for the US Army and the broader Pentagon. In April, Hegseth unexpectedly removed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and two other senior generals, citing unspecified reasons. Two months later, Gen Christopher Donahue, who headed US Army Europe and Africa, also left his post following a failed attempt to extend his tenure.

Beyond the Army, Navy Secretary John Phelan resigned in April after reported disagreements with Hegseth, making him the first head of a US military service to leave during Trump's second term. Hegseth has also removed or replaced numerous other senior generals and admirals since assuming control of the Pentagon.

Driscoll had advocated for expediting military modernization, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving drone technology and counter-drone strategies. He championed efforts to streamline defense procurement processes and encouraged military units to develop and deploy new drone capabilities more swiftly. However, some of his proposed initiatives have since been reversed.

Following Gen Christopher LaNeve's appointment as acting Army chief of staff, the service has reversed a drone-modernization initiative that Driscoll had championed.

As Army Secretary, Driscoll also assumed an unusual diplomatic role within the Trump administration, participating in the administration's efforts to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. An Iraq War veteran and former technology investor, Driscoll served as an Army armor officer before entering Republican politics and later advising Vice President JD Vance.

President Trump nominated Driscoll as Army Secretary in 2024, describing him as a "disruptor and change agent" who would bring a fresh perspective to the Pentagon. He was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. Driscoll's departure further highlights the rapid changes taking place within the leadership structure of the Pentagon, as the Army experiences significant turnover.