US Army Secretary quits after clash with Hegseth

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has tendered his resignation to the White House, citing ongoing conflicts with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to an informed source. Driscoll, who is known to be close to Vice President JD Vance, joins a list of high-ranking officials who have either been dismissed or departed from the Pentagon under Hegseth's leadership. This resignation occurs amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran, during which numerous U.S. Army personnel are serving in the Middle East.

The exact status of the White House's acceptance of Driscoll's resignation remains uncertain. His tenure was marked by his concerns over Army transformation and readiness, which he claimed were obstructed by Hegseth. Hegseth's actions, such as firing generals responsible for modernizing the Army, reportedly fueled Driscoll's frustration.

The Army has not commented on the development, which was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal. Driscoll had been instrumental in advancing President Trump's agenda at the Department of the Army, focusing on military operations efficiency, readiness, and readiness restoration. Despite his significant contributions, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised his service.

Reports indicate that Driscoll had been advocating for a more agile approach to acquiring cheaper weapons and criticizing the defense industry for overcharging the Pentagon. Driscoll's ties to Vance, along with his perceived threat within the bureaucracy, made him a target for Hegseth. Driscoll's rise to prominence was noted when he was involved in negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv to end the war in Ukraine.

Hegseth's dismissal of U.S. Army Chief of Staff Randy George, just as the U.S. was involved in a major war in the Middle East, further exacerbated tensions. Driscoll's family delivered a heartfelt message to George, expressing their support. In June, Hegseth continued his pushback against senior Army officials. Driscoll's service, despite these setbacks, was highly valued by Republican Congressman Pat Harrigan.