The White House announced on Monday that U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning after serving in the position for 18 months. The departure comes amidst a series of leadership changes within the top military ranks during President Donald Trump’s second term, with tensions reportedly existing between Driscoll and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
A statement from White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll for his effectiveness in advancing President Trump’s military agenda, highlighting his leadership during significant military operations, emphasis on readiness, and involvement in diplomatic negotiations. The Pentagon recently saw Navy Secretary John Phelan leave his post, marking the first departure of a military service head during Trump’s second term.
In a similar shakeup, Gen. Randy George was removed as the army’s top uniformed leader by Hegseth, while Gen. Christopher Donahue resigned as the army’s commander in Europe and Africa. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who rose quickly under Hegseth’s leadership, replaced George as the acting chief of staff. LaNeve’s direction led to the discontinuation of a drone modernization program that Driscoll had supported, with an army unit reverting to its traditional infantry focus.
Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and tech investor, was known as a disruptor and change agent by Trump when he was nominated in 2024. As army secretary, Driscoll played a key role in negotiating an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and advocated for streamlined processes for military contractors to develop advanced drone technologies.
Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2025, Driscoll emphasized his commitment to addressing the needs of soldiers, drawing inspiration from his family’s military legacy. He previously served as an armor officer and ran for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020. The departure of Driscoll adds to the ongoing changes in top military leadership, reflecting broader shifts within the U.S. military hierarchy.
