US army secretary submits resignation amid reports of tensions with Pentagon chief Hegseth

The United States Army Secretary, Dan Driscoll, has tendered his resignation, according to the White House. This move comes in the wake of reports highlighting tensions between Driscoll and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. When queried about a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Driscoll's resignation, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not refute the claim.

Kelly praised Driscoll's "outstanding leadership" in advancing President Trump's agenda during his tenure at the Army Department. She highlighted his contributions to US military operations, including restoring emphasis on readiness and lethality, and assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. If Driscoll's resignation is accepted, it would signal another departure of a high-ranking military official during President Donald Trump's administration.

Driscoll, a law school classmate of Vice President JD Vance, reportedly benefited from their friendship within the administration. However, the source of their conflict remains unclear. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate's Armed Services Committee, blamed Hegseth for Driscoll's departure, urging the President to acknowledge the harm Hegseth has caused to the Department of Defence.

As an Army veteran who served in Iraq, Driscoll ran for Congress in 2020 and later served as an advisor to Trump's 2024 reelection campaign. With the ongoing Iran war in its seventh month, the resignation could potentially leave the Army without permanent civilian or uniformed leadership. Hegseth had previously dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April and has yet to appoint a permanent successor.