U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned after about 18 months in the position, following months of reported tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Driscoll submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump on August 31, 2026. News reported that Trump accepted the resignation later that day. The White House praised Driscoll’s work but did not publicly give a specific reason for his departure.
The resignation adds to a series of major leadership changes across the U.S. military under Hegseth. Driscoll had focused heavily on Army modernization, readiness and new military technologies, including drones.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned from his position. |
| Where | Washington, D.C., United States |
| When | August 31, 2026 |
| Who is involved | Dan Driscoll, Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump |
| Current status | Driscoll is stepping down as Army Secretary. |
| Why it matters | His resignation adds to major leadership changes in the U.S. military. |
Dan Driscoll's Background and Army Leadership
Driscoll became Secretary of the Army after Senate confirmation in February 2025. He was the youngest person to hold the position and had previously served as an Army officer and deployed to Iraq.
During his time in the position, Driscoll became known for supporting new military technologies. His work included efforts involving drones, unmanned systems and changes to the Army’s weapons acquisition process.
He also played a role in the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts involving the Russia Ukraine war. Trump had sent Driscoll to Ukraine in 2025 as part of efforts connected to ending the conflict.
Driscoll is also a longtime friend and former Yale Law School classmate of Vice President JD Vance. His relationship with Vance made him a notable figure inside the Trump administration.
The relationship between Driscoll and Hegseth had been under pressure for months.
One major source of tension involved the removal of senior Army leaders. Hegseth previously removed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, who was considered a close friend of Driscoll. Gen. Christopher Donahue also moved toward retirement during the leadership changes.
Driscoll and George had supported the Army Transformation Initiative. The effort included greater use of unmanned systems and other technologies designed to prepare the Army for modern warfare.
What Happens After Driscoll's Departure
Driscoll is expected to leave the Pentagon in the coming days. Military Times reported that his departure was expected to take effect on September 3, although the Army had not publicly confirmed that date at the time of its report.
The Trump administration will need to determine who will lead the Army after Driscoll’s departure.
The change comes at a sensitive time for the U.S. military, with American forces involved in ongoing operations and major changes taking place across the Pentagon’s senior leadership.
Dan Driscoll Resigns Amid Pentagon Tensions
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned after about 18 months in office, following months of reported tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The White House praised Driscoll’s work, while reports indicate that disagreements over Army modernization and senior military leadership contributed to the strained relationship.
His departure adds another major change to the Pentagon’s leadership under the Trump administration. The next Army secretary will face decisions over military readiness, modernization and the future use of emerging technologies.
