U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to resign after serving in the position for 18 months, as confirmed by the White House on Monday, marking another notable exit of a senior military figure during President Donald Trump’s second term. The exact reason for Driscoll’s departure remains undisclosed, but reports suggest potential tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This move is part of a broader trend of significant changes in top military leadership roles, particularly within the army.
A statement from White House spokesperson Anna Kelly highlighted Secretary Driscoll’s effective efforts in advancing President Trump’s agenda at the Department of the Army. These efforts included leading during critical military operations, prioritizing readiness and lethality, and aiding in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The spokesperson emphasized the strengthened position of the United States army due to Driscoll’s collaboration with the commander-in-chief and the secretary of war.
Earlier in April, Navy Secretary John Phelan became the first military service head to depart during Trump’s second term. Subsequently, General Randy George, the army’s top uniformed leader, was removed by Hegseth, and General Christopher Donahue, the army’s commander in Europe and Africa, unexpectedly resigned in June.
Following these moves, General Christopher LaNeve assumed the acting chief of staff position in place of George, under the guidance of Hegseth. LaNeve’s leadership has led to the discontinuation of a drone modernization program previously championed by Driscoll. Additionally, an army unit in Europe transitioned from developing drones to focusing on traditional infantry duties under LaNeve’s direction.
Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and tech investor, had a close relationship with George and expressed regret over his departure, echoing sentiments shared by lawmakers from both parties. Despite the personal bond, Driscoll acknowledged the authority of civilian leadership in selecting military leaders.
Described as a “disruptor” by President Trump, Driscoll, who met Vice-President JD Vance at Yale Law School, was nominated in 2024 for his transformative approach. In his role as army secretary, he played a pivotal role in negotiating to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and advocated for streamlining processes to enhance drone capabilities amidst evolving global warfare scenarios. Driscoll’s confirmation by the U.S. Senate in February 2025 followed discussions on modernizing army systems, enhancing recruitment practices, and strengthening the military industrial base.
With a family history of military service, Driscoll, who served as an armour officer in Iraq, emphasized his commitment to addressing soldiers’ needs during his tenure. Despite his unsuccessful bid in the 2020 Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat, Driscoll’s diverse background and dedication to military service have been notable throughout his career.