US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll Submits Resignation Amid Tensions

US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed on Monday.

His departure follows reports of tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly praised Driscoll for being highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army. Kelly cited his outstanding leadership during US military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, and assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Driscoll served about 18 months in the role. He is the second member of the Army’s top leadership to depart, following former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George’s ouster in April. Both George and Driscoll reportedly experienced friction with Hegseth on issues including officer purges, promotions, and drone warfare. Driscoll, 41, was known as President Donald Trump's drone guy due to his embrace of emerging battlefield technologies.

He is a close ally and friend of Vice-President JD Vance, whom he met at Yale Law School. If accepted, Driscoll’s resignation would mark the latest departure of a senior military leader under President Donald Trump’s administration. The resignation leaves the Army without Senate-confirmed military or civilian leadership. Under Secretary of the Army Mike Obadal is next in line to serve in the role until the Senate confirms a new secretary.

The Iran war is entering its seventh month. Jack Reed, the most senior Democrat on the Senate’s Armed Services Committee, attributed the departure to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.