U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has announced his resignation after serving in the position for 18 months, according to a statement from the White House on Monday. This departure adds to a series of high-ranking military officials exiting their roles during President Donald Trump’s second term. While the reason for Driscoll’s resignation was not disclosed, reports suggest tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth could be a contributing factor.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll’s accomplishments, highlighting his efforts in advancing President Trump’s defense agenda, strengthening military readiness, and facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The statement also commended Driscoll for enhancing the United States Army’s capabilities, attributing its increased strength to his collaboration with the commander-in-chief and secretary of war.
The recent shakeups in military leadership have been notable, with Navy Secretary John Phelan being the first to depart during Trump’s second term in April. Subsequently, Gen. Randy George, the army’s top uniformed leader, was removed by Hegseth in April, followed by the unexpected resignation of Gen. Christopher Donahue, the army’s commander in Europe and Africa, in June.
Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who rose swiftly under Hegseth’s leadership, succeeded George as the army’s acting chief of staff. LaNeve’s directives have included discontinuing a drone modernization program that Driscoll had championed, with an army unit in Europe transitioning back to a conventional infantry battalion under his command.
Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran and tech investor, was known for his role as a key negotiator in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. His confirmation by the U.S. Senate in February 2025 was supported by a 66-28 vote, following a committee hearing focused on modernizing army systems and enhancing recruitment efforts. Driscoll’s dedication to meeting the needs of soldiers was inspired by his family’s military legacy, with his personal service as an armor officer in Iraq further shaping his commitment to the army.
Having been described as “a disruptor and change agent” by President Trump, Driscoll’s tenure as army secretary was marked by efforts to streamline military contractor processes for drone development and counter-drone capabilities. Despite his resignation, Driscoll’s impact on military modernization and leadership will be remembered by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as his colleagues in the armed forces.
