U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has announced his resignation from the position after serving for 18 months, as confirmed by the White House on Monday. This departure adds to the list of high-ranking military officials who have left during the second term of U.S. President Donald Trump, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth being a notable figure in reported tensions with Driscoll.
The White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, praised Driscoll’s efforts in advancing President Trump’s military objectives, emphasizing his leadership during significant military operations, readiness enhancement, and involvement in diplomatic negotiations. The sudden exits of other military leaders, like Navy Secretary John Phelan and Gen. Randy George, indicate a broader shakeup within the military hierarchy.
Under the direction of Hegseth, Gen. Christopher LaNeve has assumed the role of acting chief of staff, succeeding George. LaNeve’s directives have led to the discontinuation of a drone modernization initiative championed by Driscoll, redirecting an army unit from drone development to traditional infantry duties in Europe. Driscoll expressed regret over George’s departure, a sentiment shared by lawmakers from both political parties.
Known as a disruptor and change agent, Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and tech investor, was appointed as army secretary in 2024. His confirmation by the U.S. Senate in February 2025 highlighted his focus on modernizing army systems, enhancing recruitment, and strengthening the military industrial base. Drawing from a family tradition of military service, Driscoll pledged to prioritize the welfare of soldiers, aligning with his own experience as an armour officer during a deployment in Iraq.
In his previous endeavors, Driscoll had also ventured into political pursuits, running for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020, albeit without success. His role as a key negotiator in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine showcased his multifaceted approach to military challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.