US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, bringing his tenure as the Army’s top civilian leader to an end after about 18 months in office.
The White House confirmed Driscoll’s departure on Monday, August 31, describing him as an effective leader who advanced the Trump administration’s agenda while focusing on Army readiness and military capabilities.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Driscoll had provided leadership during major military operations, restored an emphasis on readiness and lethality, and contributed to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine.
No official reason was given for his resignation. However, the announcement comes after months of reported tension between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the direction of the Army and changes involving senior military officers.
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Driscoll had raised concerns about Army transformation and readiness efforts, including disagreements over Hegseth’s removal of generals involved in those initiatives. The Army declined to comment on the report.
Driscoll, a former Army officer and Iraq War veteran, was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. During his time as secretary, he pushed for reforms aimed at making the Army more innovative and quicker to adopt new technologies and weapons.
He also became involved in diplomatic efforts connected to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, an unusual role for an Army secretary.
His departure follows a series of changes among senior US military leaders under Hegseth. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George was removed in April, while Gen. Christopher Donahue, who commanded US Army forces in Europe and Africa, left his position in June.
Driscoll’s resignation also leaves the Army without a Senate-confirmed civilian secretary once his departure takes effect. Military Times reported that he is expected to leave the position on September 3, although the White House has not publicly announced a permanent successor.
The White House praised Driscoll’s service, saying the Army was stronger as a result of his work with the president and Defense Department leadership.
His resignation comes at a particularly significant period for the US military, with American forces continuing to operate in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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