The White House announced on Monday that U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning after serving in the position for 18 months, making him the latest high-ranking military official to depart during the second term of President Donald Trump. The reason for Driscoll’s departure was not disclosed, but there have been reports of tensions between him and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. This marks a series of changes in top military leadership, particularly within the army.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll for advancing President Trump’s military agenda, emphasizing his leadership during significant military operations, focus on readiness and lethality, and involvement in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The statement credited Driscoll for contributing to the increased strength of the U.S. army through his collaboration with the president and the secretary of war.
The Pentagon previously announced the departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan in April, marking the first exit of a military service head in Trump’s second term. Additionally, Gen. Randy George, the army’s top uniformed leader, was abruptly replaced by Gen. Christopher LaNeve under Hegseth’s leadership. Furthermore, Gen. Christopher Donahue, who commanded the army in Europe and Africa, unexpectedly stepped down in June.
Driscoll, who was known for his close relationship with Gen. Randy George, expressed his disappointment at George’s departure, a sentiment shared by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Despite this, Driscoll acknowledged the authority of civilian leadership in selecting military leaders.
Described by Trump as a “disruptor and change agent,” Driscoll brought his experience as an Iraq war veteran, tech investor, and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance to his role as army secretary. He played a crucial role in negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine and advocating for streamlined processes for military contractors to enhance drone capabilities in response to evolving global warfare trends.
In February 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Driscoll’s appointment with a 66-28 vote, following a relatively uneventful armed services committee hearing that focused on modernizing army systems, enhancing recruitment strategies, and strengthening the military industrial base. Driscoll’s family history of army service and his personal commitment to soldier welfare guided his tenure as secretary, during which he served as an armour officer in Iraq from 2009 to 2010.
Driscoll’s political aspirations were evident when he ran in the Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020, where he garnered approximately eight percent of the vote in a competitive field of candidates.