President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Adam Telle will serve as the acting secretary of the Army, effective immediately. The appointment follows the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll earlier this week.
Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform, describing Telle as a "Great Patriot, who is respected by all." Telle previously served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program, which includes responsibilities for flood and storm protection, commercial waterways, and Clean Water Act permitting.
Driscoll's resignation reportedly stemmed from tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth regarding the Army's transformation and readiness efforts. Driscoll had expressed belief that Hegseth had hindered these initiatives.
Driscoll stated that Wednesday was his "last full day" in the position, calling his service under Trump and Hegseth "the honor of a lifetime." He also noted the progress made in modernizing how the Army mans, trains, and equips its forces, and expressed gratitude for Hegseth's support and Trump's opportunity to serve.
Telle's prior experience includes serving as chief of staff to Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., and as Trump's chief liaison to the Senate during his first administration, where he led the White House Office of Legislative Affairs' Senate team. He also worked on the Senate Appropriations Committee subcommittee overseeing the Department of Homeland Security's budget and spent a decade in the office of former Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., holding roles such as deputy chief of staff and legislative director.
Telle's relationships with senators on Capitol Hill are seen as potentially beneficial as the administration seeks to confirm Army nominees currently facing delays in the Senate. His appointment fills a significant leadership vacancy within the Army, the largest branch of the U.S. military.