US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns After Months of Tension with Defense Secretary Hegseth
The youngest-ever Army secretary, known as Trump's 'drone guy,' has stepped down after about 18 months following reported conflict with Pete Hegseth.
What happened
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, 41, submitted his resignation after approximately 18 months in the role. His departure followed months of conflict between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to CBS reporting. The White House characterized Driscoll as having been 'highly effective' in advancing Trump's agenda and providing 'outstanding leadership' during military operations. Driscoll is the latest in a series of senior military departures, including Navy Secretary John Phelan (April 2025) and Army Chief of Staff Randy George, among others. Since his arrival at the Pentagon, Hegseth has fired more than a dozen senior military officers.
Context
Driscoll's departure reflects ongoing turbulence in the Pentagon's leadership ranks under the Trump administration. As the top civilian leader of the US Army directing active duty troops, National Guard, and reserve forces, the position carries significant operational authority. Driscoll had been instrumental in Trump-era initiatives, including leading National Guard deployments to US cities and taking on a central role in diplomatic efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including meetings with President Zelensky. His close relationship with Vice President JD Vance and his friendship with departed Army Chief of Staff Randy George—whom Hegseth reportedly pressured to resign—may have contributed to the underlying friction. The broader pattern of military leadership departures suggests sustained restructuring or realignment within the Pentagon under current Defense Department leadership.
What's disputed
The specific details of the behind-the-scenes friction between Driscoll and Hegseth are unclear in the reporting.