U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after just 18 months in the role, marking another major change at the top of America’s military leadership.
The White House confirmed Driscoll’s departure after he spoke with President Donald Trump about the current state of the Army and submitted his resignation.
No official reason for his departure has been announced. However, Driscoll had reportedly experienced months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Army modernization, readiness and leadership decisions.
Driscoll, an Iraq War veteran and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance, was confirmed as Army secretary in February 2025.
During his tenure, he pushed efforts to modernize the Army, accelerate the development and acquisition of new technology and expand the military’s drone and counter-drone capabilities.
His role also extended beyond traditional Army responsibilities. President Trump selected Driscoll to participate in diplomatic efforts involving Russia and Ukraine, giving him an unusually prominent role in U.S. foreign policy.
His departure comes during a particularly sensitive period for the Pentagon, with U.S. forces deployed around the world and military operations continuing in the Middle East.
Driscoll is also the latest senior military leader to leave during a period of significant turnover at the Pentagon.
The White House praised his service, saying he had helped strengthen Army readiness and advance the administration’s military priorities.
Attention will now turn to who will replace Driscoll and what his departure could mean for the future direction of the U.S. Army.