U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump on August 31, the White House confirmed Monday. The departure follows 18 months in the role and comes amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The White House praised Driscoll’s tenure in a statement, noting his contributions to military operations, readiness initiatives, and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Anna Kelly, a White House spokeswoman, stated that Driscoll had been “highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda” at the Department of the Army, including efforts to restore readiness and lethality.
Driscoll’s resignation marks the latest in a series of leadership changes within the Army. In April, Hegseth ousted Gen. Randy George, the Army’s chief of staff, a move Driscoll publicly opposed. Driscoll later described George as someone he “loved” and lamented his departure during congressional testimony. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who replaced George, has since directed the end of a drone modernization program that Driscoll had supported. Additionally, an Army unit in Europe was reportedly ordered to halt its drone development efforts and revert to traditional infantry operations.
Driscoll, a friend of Vice President JD Vance, had previously denied rumors of his departure, stating in April that he had “no plans to depart or resign.” His resignation follows months of friction with Hegseth, including reports that Hegseth pressed Driscoll to remove Col. Dave Butler, a senior public affairs adviser.
The White House did not provide a specific reason for Driscoll’s departure. His resignation takes effect immediately, with the administration expressing gratitude for his service. The development occurs amid broader shifts in military leadership, including the unexpected departure of Gen. Christopher Donahue in June.
The Army has not announced a successor, and the White House has not indicated a timeline for a replacement.