Departing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has openly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, detailing dramatic rifts within the Pentagon concerning the Army's transformation and readiness, according to reports. Driscoll met with President Trump last week to express his concerns, citing Hegseth's management of the Army.
Sources indicated that Trump was surprised by the number of military leaders and generals reportedly fired, forced out, or denied promotions under Hegseth's tenure. Driscoll reportedly informed the President that Hegseth's actions, including the dismissal of generals responsible for Army transformation efforts, were actively hindering progress and readiness. The secretary subsequently informed Trump of his decision to resign.
Driscoll, an Iraq War veteran, tech investor, and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance, was nominated by Trump in 2024 and confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. He was initially praised by Trump as a "disruptor and change agent." During his service, Driscoll was tasked with key negotiations to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and pushed for rapid development of drone and counter-drone capabilities.
A White House spokesperson stated that Driscoll had been "highly effective in advancing President Trump's agenda" and highlighted his leadership in military operations, readiness, and international negotiations. Driscoll is expected to officially depart in the coming days.
The rift between Driscoll and Hegseth reportedly extends to personnel decisions. Driscoll has disagreed with Hegseth on multiple issues, including the blocking of promotions for several Army officers and the April ouster of Army Chief of Staff Randy George. The removal of General George, who was confirmed by the Senate in 2023, leaves the Army without a Senate-confirmed leader, as Trump has not yet nominated a replacement.
Sources suggest Hegseth's actions, including the firing of George, may be driven by insecurity and paranoia related to past events, exacerbated by close aides. The White House had previously backed Driscoll amid reports that Hegseth sought to remove him.
Driscoll and George had reportedly worked closely together, with Driscoll backing George's efforts to adopt emerging technologies like drones. They traveled together to Ukraine last year to gather insights from the ongoing conflict. One official stated that Driscoll had consistently intervened when Hegseth attempted to remove George, asserting that merit should guide decisions.
George's ouster followed two significant issues: Hegseth's decision to block the promotion of several officers to one-star generals and a controversial appearance of Apache helicopters outside musician Kid Rock's home. Reports suggest George was rebuffed when he attempted to discuss the blocked promotions with Hegseth.
Hegseth has reportedly purged more than a dozen senior officers, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chief of Naval Operations, leading to concerns about "generational damage" to the Pentagon by a defense official. A former Hegseth aide, General Christopher LaNeve, is currently serving as the interim replacement for Chief of Staff Randy George.