US Army secretary Driscoll resigns amid reported tensions with Hegseth

US Army secretary Driscoll resigns amid reported tensions with Hegseth



US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll testifies on budget requests during a Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, May 12, 2026. Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed Monday, following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. — AFP pic


Summary

• US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned due to reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed by the White House.
• Driscoll's tenure was marked by advancements in military readiness and negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.
• His resignation could leave the Army with a leadership gap amidst the ongoing Iran conflict.

First Published: Tuesday, 01 Sep 2026 9:42 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, Sept 1 — US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed Monday, following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that Driscoll had resigned, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not deny it.


“Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army,” Kelly said.


She cited his “outstanding leadership” during US military operations, “restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more.”


She added: “The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.”


If accepted, Driscoll’s resignation would mark the latest departure of a senior military leader under President Donald Trump administration.

A former law school classmate of Vice President JD Vance, Driscoll had reportedly benefited from their friendship within the administration, but clashed with Hegseth.


An Army veteran who served in Iraq, Driscoll ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2020 and later advised Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign.

With the Iran war entering its seventh month, the resignation could effectively leaves the Army without permanent civilian or uniformed leadership. Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George in April and has yet to nominate a permanent successor. — AFP