U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll submits resignation: White House

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Published - September 01, 2026 08:43 am IST - Washington, United States

U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. File | Photo Credit: Reuters

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, the White House confirmed on Monday (August 31, 2026) , following reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that Mr. 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," Ms. Kelly said.

She cited his "outstanding leadership" during U.S. military operations, "restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more."

She added: "The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War."

If accepted, Mr. 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 J. D. Vance, Mr. Driscoll had reportedly benefited from their friendship within the administration, but clashed with Mr. Hegseth.

The most senior Democrat on the Senate's Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, laid the departure's blame at the defense secretary's feet, saying, "I do not welcome Secretary Driscoll's resignation... It is far past time for President Trump to recognize the lasting harm that Pete Hegseth is inflicting on the Department of Defense."

An Army veteran who served in Iraq, Mr. Driscoll ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2020 and later advised Mr. 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.

Mr. Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April and has yet to nominate a permanent successor.