Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned Monday, becoming the latest high-profile official to step down following reported clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll's departure, which had been rumored for months, leaves the Army without a Senate-confirmed leader.
The White House confirmed Driscoll's resignation, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly stating that Driscoll had been "highly effective in advancing President Trump's agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army." Kelly cited his leadership during "historic military operations," restoring an emphasis on "readiness and lethality," and assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine as key accomplishments.
Driscoll and Hegseth reportedly disagreed on multiple issues, including Hegseth's moves to block the promotion of several Army officers and the April ouster of a key Driscoll ally. The Wall Street Journal reported that Driscoll is expected to officially depart in the coming days.
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The departure of Army Chief of Staff Randy George earlier this year, also reportedly at Hegseth's direction, means the Army now lacks a Senate-confirmed chief of staff, as President Trump has not yet nominated a replacement for George. General Christopher LaNeve, a former Hegseth aide, is serving as the interim replacement.
The New York Post reported in April that Driscoll's close relationship with George was a factor in George's firing. According to sources, Hegseth developed "insecurity and paranoia" after a March 2025 incident known as "Signal-gate," and viewed Driscoll as a potential successor. "This is all driven by the insecurity and paranoia that Pete has developed since Signal-gate. Unfortunately, it is stoked by some of his closest aides who should be trying to calm the waters," a source told the paper.
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Driscoll, who is reportedly close to Vice President JD Vance, had previously intervened when Hegseth attempted to remove George. George, confirmed by the Senate in 2023, was seen as a target for removal due to his selection by the previous administration and his service as a senior military assistant to former President Joe Biden's defense secretary, Lloyd Austin. George also supported diversity training for military personnel.
During their time working together, Driscoll reportedly backed George's efforts to adopt emerging technologies like drones. The two traveled to Ukraine last year to gather insights from the ongoing conflict. Officials stated that Driscoll consistently defended George, asserting that "merit should speak for itself."
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George's removal followed controversies including Hegseth's decision to block the promotion of four officers and the appearance of Apache helicopters outside Kid Rock's home. Sources indicated that George's attempt to discuss the blocked promotions with Hegseth was rebuffed.
Hegseth has overseen the removal of over a dozen senior officers, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
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