U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning after serving for 18 months, as confirmed by the White House on Monday, marking another high-profile departure in the Trump administration’s second term. The reason for the departure remains undisclosed, although reports suggest tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This move adds to a series of significant changes in top military leadership, particularly within the army.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll for his effective leadership in advancing President Trump’s military agenda, focusing on enhancing readiness and military strength, contributing to negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, among other accomplishments. The White House acknowledged Driscoll’s instrumental role in bolstering the U.S. Army’s capabilities under the current administration.
Earlier this year, Navy Secretary John Phelan was the first military service head to exit during Trump’s second term, followed by Gen. Randy George’s removal by Hegseth in April. Additionally, Gen. Christopher Donahue resigned unexpectedly from his position as the army’s commander in Europe and Africa in June.
Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who rose quickly under Hegseth’s leadership, took over George’s role as the acting chief of staff. LaNeve decided to discontinue a drone modernization program initiated by Driscoll, opting for the army unit in Europe to revert to being a traditional infantry battalion. Driscoll expressed regret over George’s departure, a sentiment shared by lawmakers from both political parties.
Referred to as ‘a disruptor’ by President Trump, Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and tech investor, was appointed in 2024 for his innovative approach to leadership. As army secretary, he played a crucial role in negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine and streamlining regulations for military contractors to expedite drone development and anti-drone capabilities.
Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2025, Driscoll focused on modernizing army systems, enhancing recruitment, and strengthening the military industrial base. With a family history of military service, Driscoll emphasized his dedication to addressing soldier needs during his tenure. Additionally, he had previously contested in the Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020.
