Army Secretary Driscoll Resigns as Tensions Rise with Hegseth

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned amid growing tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, a US official told ABC News.

President Donald Trump accepted Driscoll’s resignation on Monday evening, the official said.

Resignation Accepted by Trump

In a statement on Monday, the White House thanked Driscoll for his work and praised him as “highly effective”.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Driscoll had advanced the president’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations. She added that his tenure included restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, and helping with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, among other efforts.

Kelly also said the United States Army is “more powerful than ever” because of his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.

Disagreements Since 2025

US officials said Driscoll and Hegseth had differed on several issues since both took over their roles in 2025.

One key point, the officials said, has been Hegseth’s firing or sidelining of multiple senior officers who were due to be promoted to the rank of general.

The officials pointed in particular to Hegseth’s decision to fire Gen. Randy George, the former Army Chief of Staff, in April without explanation. Driscoll had worked closely with George and told lawmakers at a congressional hearing that he did not know why George was removed.

Ukraine-Russia Peace talks Assignment

Late last year, Trump chose Driscoll to head a diplomatic initiative intended to restart Ukraine-Russia peace talks, which had been launched last fall.

The initiative was described as being beyond the scope of a service secretary’s duties. The service secretary’s main responsibilities are to oversee training and equipping for the relevant service.

Capitol Hill Access and Military Background

Driscoll was also described as popular on Capitol Hill and as having access to the White House, attributed to his previous relationship with Vice President JD Vance.

The officials said Driscoll met Vance at Yale Law School after serving in the 10th Mountain Division as a cavalry officer.

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1 September 2026

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