U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigns after reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Dan Driscoll resigned and warned the President that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is doing serious damage to the military

Amid the US conflict with Iran, Democrats and some Republicans are warning of a leadership void at the top of the US military. That's after the resignation this week of the Army's top civilian official, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, amid widespread reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Our guest, Walter Ladwig, associate professor of international relations at King's College London, tells us more.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation, amid clashes with the Pentagon chief, has raised concerns about leadership within the military.

Driscoll reportedly expressed concerns with Trump that resignations and firings under Hegseth have created a leadership vacuum in the Army.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll quits amid reported tensions with Pete Hegseth

Driscoll reportedly expressed concerns with Trump that resignations and firings under Hegseth have created a leadership vacuum in the Army.

Army secretary’s exit leaves ‘serious leadership gaps’ as US military grapples with protracted Iran conflict

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned early last week at one of the busiest moments for the service since the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation Monday after months of friction with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. CBS News' Eleanor Watson has more.

The resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll underlines how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is increasingly imposing his will on the Pentagon after nearly 20 months in the role. Driscoll’s departure, which came sooner than expected, followed months of tensions with Hegseth, who has forced out or stalled the promotions of dozens of senior military officials...

The sudden departure of Daniel Driscoll comes after Pentagon chief removed senior officers and blocked promotions, prompting warnings of a leadership crisisA senior Senate Democrat accused Pentagon secretary Pete Hegseth of having “hollowed out” the Army’s senior ranks after its top civilian leader resigned after months of internal clashes with Hegseth.No official reason was given for army secretary Daniel Driscoll’s departure after 18 months on the job, while thousands of US soldiers are deployed in the Middle East. In a statement on Monday night, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Driscoll had been “highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda”, citing his work on “readiness and lethality” and his role in Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Continue reading...

The White House has confirmed that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning. The move comes after months of friction between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Marine veteran and former CIA officer Elliot Ackerman joins with analysis.

Driscoll reportedly expressed concerns with Trump that resignations and firings under Hegseth have created a leadership vacuum in the Army.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the White House confirmed Monday, Aug. 31. During his tenure, he helped the Trump administration lead contacts with Ukrainian and Russian officials aimed at advancing peace talks.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll handed his resignation to President Trump after months of disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster reacts.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to depart the Pentagon in the next few days, following a months-long feud with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the firings of several top officials and allegedly blocking many of his innovation projects like streamlined technology adoption.  The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news […]

No reason was given for the departure of Driscoll, who is a friend of Vice President JD Vance, but tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been widely reported.

Dan Driscoll had repeatedly sparred with Hegseth over Army oustings

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll—one of the highest ranking officials in the Defense Department—warned President Trump that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s mass purge of military leadership could have a negative impact on the Army’s “transformation and readiness,” according to The Atlantic. Then he resigned.During their meeting, Trump was reportedly shocked when Driscoll told him just how many officials had been fired, stepped down, or not selected for promotion under Hegseth—something you’d think the president would already know about. Now, in the midst of a flailing war with Iran, the military is without its highest ranking civilian leader, two Senate-confirmed head generals, and a confirmed commander.Driscoll and Hegseth have seemingly been at odds from the moment Trump appointed Hegseth to head the Pentagon. In April, The Hill reported that Hegseth saw Driscoll as a threat to his leadership given his connection to Vice President JD Vance and his more-traditional, less-aggressive leadership style—with Hegseth’s team going so far as to try and frame Driscoll as a “resistance figure” in an effort to oust him from the administration.Hegseth had already eviscerated Driscoll’s support network, firing his chief of staff, Gen. Randy George, and two other high-ranking military officials in April. Driscoll’s Monday resignation was a long time coming, if nothing else. It’s unclear what exactly Hegseth’s problem with Driscoll was beyond paranoia and a lack of total capitulation. “From what I’ve seen in the press, and from whatever it’s worth, what I hear from people in the Army, it’s not like Driscoll is scheming and plotting to make Hegseth look bad. I mean, Hegseth takes care of that himself on a regular basis. It’s just, it’s all just very strange. And it’s just irresponsible,” retired Army reserve colonel and Pentagon staffer Kevin Carroll told The Hill in April.Either way, Driscoll is gone now, and Hegseth will have one less detractor to his vision of a reckless, hypermasculine, shoot-first-ask-questions-later military to reign supreme over.

State of the Union: He exits following tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The post Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns appeared first on The American Conservative.

The senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of hollowing out the Army's senior ranks and leaving the military chain of command in limbo.

The resignation of Daniel P. Driscoll, the secretary of the Army, had been expected but comes at a tumultuous time for the service.

Amy Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more on tensions inside the Pentagon.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation was announced Monday after months of disputes with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Charlie D'Agata reports.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation directly to President Trump after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump and is stepping down after repeated clashes with his boss, Pete Hegseth. His resignation leaves the service without several top leaders as the conflict with Iran continues. Rachel Schilke of Bloomberg Government has more. (Source: Bloomberg)

The White House confirmed Monday that Dan Driscoll, the US Army’s top civilian leader, has submitted his resignation following reports of clashes with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.Asked about a Wall Street Journal report on Driscoll’s departure, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly praised his record, saying he had been “highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army.” She cited his leadership in military operations, emphasis on readiness, and role in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.Kelly added: “The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.”Driscoll, a former law school classmate of Vice President JD Vance, reportedly benefited from their friendship within the administration but clashed with Hegseth. His resignation comes at a critical time, with the Iran war entering its seventh month and the Army lacking permanent civilian or uniformed leadership.Hegseth had earlier dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April and has yet to nominate a successor.Senator Jack Reed, the most senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, blamed Hegseth for Driscoll’s departure, warning of “lasting harm” to the Department of Defence.An Army veteran who served in Iraq, Driscoll unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020 before advising Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. His resignation, if accepted, would mark another high-profile exit under President Trump’s administration.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump following months of reported tensions with US War Secretary Pete Hegseth over the direction of the Army and the removal of several senior officers. The Wall Street Journal reported that Driscoll’s departure followed disagreements with Hegseth over the administration of the service […] US Army Secretary Driscoll resigns amid reported tensions with Hegseth

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a friend of US Vice President JD Vance, is stepping down after just 18 months on the job, the White House says.

United States Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed on Monday, following reports of tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that Driscoll had resigned, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not deny it. “Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army,” Kelly said. She cited his “outstanding leadership” during US military operations, “restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more”. She added: “The US army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.” If accepted, Driscoll’s resignation would mark the latest departure of a senior military leader under President Donald Trump’s administration. A former law school classmate of Vice President JD Vance, Driscoll had reportedly benefited from their friendship within the administration, but clashed with Hegseth. The most senior Democrat on the Senate’s Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, laid the departure’s blame at the defence secretary’s feet, saying, “I do not welcome Secretary Driscoll’s resignation … It is far past time for President Trump to recognise the lasting harm that Pete Hegseth is inflicting on the Department of Defence.” An Army veteran who served in Iraq, Driscoll ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2020 and later advised Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. With the Iran war entering its seventh month, the resignation could effectively leave the army without permanent civilian or uniformed leadership. Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April and has yet to nominate a permanent successor.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation leaves the service without several top leaders even as the conflict with Iran continues.

Washington: Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after 18 months on the job, the White House said Monday, in the latest departure of a top military leader during the Trump administration.Also Watch: No reason was given for the departure of Driscoll, who is a friend of Vice President J D Vance, but tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been widely reported. It marks the latest in a series of shakeups of the military leadership, with the Army especially seeing major upheaval.“Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump's agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement.US President Donald Trump Accuses Iran Of Killing 100,000 Protesters, Calls Nation 'Dead' "The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War,” she added.A US Army official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Driscoll spoke with President Donald Trump on the current state of the Army and submitted his resignation. The official did not provide additional details. The Pentagon referred questions to the Army. Driscoll's resignation was reported earlier Monday by The Wall Street Journal.Driscoll's departure follows the ouster of one of his allies from the Army as well as the rollback of a drone programme he had championed. Hegseth had suddenly ousted the service's top uniformed leader, Gen. Randy George, in April, while the Army's commander in Europe and Africa, Gen. Christopher Donahue, unexpectedly stepped down in June.'No Jurisdiction': India Rejects 'Illegally Constituted' Court Of Arbitration's Indus Waters Treaty Award Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who has made a meteoric rise under Hegseth, took George's place as the Army's acting chief of staff. Under LaNeve, the service is pulling the plug on a drone modernisation programme. An Army unit based in Europe was building its own drones before LaNeve directed it to end its efforts and return to being a traditional infantry battalion, officials said in August.Driscoll was a George ally and lamented his departure, along with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. He told Congress in April that he and his family drove to George's house following his resignation “and we all gave him a hug.” “That being said, the civilian leadership, the design of our system, is that they get to pick the leaders that they want," Driscoll added.Driscoll is an Iraq war veteran, tech investor and former adviser to Vance, whom Driscoll met at Yale Law School. When nominating Driscoll in 2024, Trump called him “a disruptor and change agent.” As Army secretary, Driscoll was tapped for the unusual role of key negotiator to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He was also a major force behind trying to cut the red tape for military contractors to quickly develop more drones and counter-drone capabilities as warfare rapidly changes around the world.Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin Share Car Ride After Talks; PM Calls For End To Russia-Ukraine War The Senate confirmed him in February 2025, voting 66-28, following an Armed Services Committee hearing that was largely unconfrontational and focused on how the Army could modernise its systems, improve recruiting and beef up the military industrial base.Driscoll noted that his father and grandfather served in the Army, and he vowed to be a secretary focused on the needs of soldiers. According to the Army, Driscoll served as an armor officer from August 2007 to March 2011, deploying to Iraq from October 2009 to July 2010.He also ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat in 2020, getting about 8 per cent of the vote in a crowded field of candidates.His departure comes after Hegseth ousted several other generals and admirals, including the head of the Navy.The Pentagon abruptly announced in April that Navy Secretary John Phelan was leaving the job, becoming the first head of a military service to depart during Trump's second term. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Driscoll gave Trump his opinion of the state of the Army when he submitted his resignation, according to a US official, who also asked not to be identified in discussing a private conversation.

Driscoll submitted his resignation after speaking with Trump about the current state of the Army, a U.S. official told MS NOW.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned amid reported tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Appointed in February 2025, Driscoll also played a role in US‑Russia‑Ukraine peace talks.

Driscoll, who is considered close to US Vice President JD Vance, becomes the latest senior official who has either been fired or pushed out in Hegseth's Pentagon.

The Army secretary told Trump about problems in the Army and his friction with Hegseth, then resigned.

Dan Driscoll latest senior military figure to quit, leaving a vacuum at top of the American armed forces

Dan Driscoll leaves after 18-months in the job with White House bogged down in Iran conflict

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Submits Resignation Amid Tensions With Hegseth Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is out. Early Monday evening The Wall Street Journal is the first to break the news, describing that he submitted his resignation to President Trump, following months of tensions with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. Some national security sources have already been quoted as saying the development is "unsurprising" - with the WSJ writing that "Driscoll had been expected to step down this year from his role as the civilian leader of the Army after clashing with Hegseth." via Associated Press White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has confirmed that Driscoll resigned. It comes just days after the Iran war hit the six month mark, with no apparent exit strategy articulated by the White House or military leadership. "Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more," Kelly said in a statement. There could be more high-level resignations at the Pentagon to come, amid several simultaneous controversies gripping internal Department of War ranks over several months. To review: First and foremost, there's the Iran war and its strategy and direction, and overextension of forces. Next, there's the still raging controversy over dwindling missile and interceptor supplies. Also important is that Hegseth has been doing some house-cleaning at the Pentagon - since the start of the administration's term sacking a series top generals and commanders, also amid questions of loyalty. On this latter front, the Journal presents some of the latest developments as follows: Last week, Driscoll attended the retirement ceremony at Fort Bragg for Gen. Chris Donahue, who served as the top Army officer in Europe until Hegseth downgraded his position, effectively bringing an end to his military career.  Donahue’s abrupt departure was presented as part of Hegseth’s broader push to shrink the number of generals and admirals by 10% overall, plus a 20% cut to the number of four-star positions, the Journal reported.  Hegseth's efforts at bringing radical change to the Pentagon has resulted in huge, rare frictions between his office and top generals and admirals across the globe, particularly centered on questions of force readiness and future vision and doctrine. "Driscoll brought up concerns with the administration surrounding Army transformation and readiness and Hegseth's blocking those efforts specifically by firing the Generals who were responsible," the source said. https://t.co/sO1r6dYkZ7 — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) August 31, 2026 There are some political dynamics as well, with WSJ also noting that "Driscoll is a former law school classmate of Vice President JD Vance. A former Army officer, he forged a close relationship with George, the former Army chief of staff who was fired by Hegseth in April. The two pushed soldiers to adopt new technology and become more adaptable battlefield threats." So all this further seems bound up with personalities, loyalties, as well as contrasting visions for the future of America's armed forces. It should be noted that Driscoll as a Vance-ally was probably - just like the Vice President - deeply skeptical of many of the Trump's administration's Iran-related decisions. Tyler Durden Mon, 08/31/2026 - 20:05

Driscoll's resignation follows months of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, US media reports say.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed Monday, following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed Monday, following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Dan Driscoll had been rumored to step down at some point between now and the end of the year but the White House announced his departure Monday.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning, the White House confirmed.

Resignation comes after months of turmoil at Pentagon, from leaked investigation to ousting of senior officialsArmy Secretary Dan Driscoll has handed his resignation to Donald Trump, the White House said on Monday,The army official, who is second in line to defense secretary Pete Hegseth, had reportedly been eyeing an exit from the Pentagon amid apparent friction with the secretary. Continue reading...

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after 18 months on the job, the White House said Monday, in the latest departure of a top military leader during the Trump administration. No reason was given for the departure of Driscoll, who is a friend of Vice-President J.D. Vance, but tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have been widely reported. It marks the latest in a series of shake-ups of top military leadership, with the army especially seeing major upheaval. “Secretary Driscoll...

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned from his post after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

After months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, there are reports that US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned.

After months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, there are reports that US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned.

The departure of Dan Driscoll, who at one time was viewed as a potential replacement for the defense secretary, marks the latest shake-up at the Pentagon.

White House gave no reason for departure, but tensions with Defense Secretary were widely reported

Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump amid growing tension between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, sources told ABC News. 

Driscoll’s resignation comes after months of tension between him and War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Post previously reported that Hegseth feared being fired by Trump and replaced by Driscoll.

Dan Driscoll had been rumored to step down at some point between now and the end of the year but the White House announced his departure Monday.

US army secretary Dan Driscoll resigns after months of tension with Hegseth US army secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).  The move comes after months of tension between Driscoll and defence secretary Pete Hegseth over the ousting of several top army generals amid a controversial push to shrink the number of high-ranking army generals in the US army.  The White House praised Driscoll, who was expected to step down by the end of the year, in a statement given to the WSJ. “Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.  “The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War,” she added.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to depart his role at the Pentagon in the coming days, leaving the Trump administration after being embroiled in a months-long turf war with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to two sources familiar with internal deliberations.  Driscoll spoke with President Trump about the “current state” of the Army and...

Dan Driscoll, a former soldier who came into the roll from the finance world, reportedly had a strained relationship with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Dan Driscoll, who has served as the Army’s civilian leader since February 2025, tendered his resignation Monday.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll who has clashed with his boss, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will be leaving his post, according to a person familiar with the matter, even as the military conflict with Iran continues.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll who clashed with his boss, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has submitted his resignation, according to a person familiar with the matter, even as the military conflict with Iran continues.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering his chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell, to succeed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who is eyeing an exit from the Pentagon in the coming months, two sources familiar with the matter told The Hill. The Hill previously reported that Parnell, who is also one of Hegseth’s senior advisers, has privately expressed...

CBS News has confirmed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering leaving his post by the end of the year amid friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Earlier this year, Driscoll spoke to "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" about the importance of the drone battalion tasked with studying lessons from drone warfare, particularly in Ukraine, an effort he oversaw.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly planning to leave his position by late 2026. This departure follows months of reported tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll's exit could leave the Army without a Senate-confirmed leader. The Army also currently lacks a Senate-confirmed chief of staff. These developments signal significant changes at the Pentagon's senior levels.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is looking to leave his role at the Pentagon around the end of 2026 following a months-long turf war with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former White House official and another source familiar with the discussions told The Hill on Friday.  A third source familiar said Driscoll has long communicated that...