Amid Tensions with Hegseth, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to Step Down by Year-End

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly planning to leave his post by the end of 2026, or possibly sooner, following months of reported friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Sources familiar with the discussions, cited by The Wall Street Journal and The Hill, indicate Driscoll's departure is imminent.

Driscoll's spokesperson, along with spokespeople for the Pentagon and Driscoll himself, declined to comment on the reports. The Hill noted that Driscoll had previously suggested a tenure of 23 to 24 months as typical for an Army secretary under the Trump administration.

His departure would leave the Army without a secretary confirmed by the Senate. Compounding this leadership vacuum, the Army also currently lacks a Senate-confirmed chief of staff. General Randy George was dismissed by Hegseth in April without explanation, and President Donald Trump has not yet nominated a permanent replacement. General Christopher LaNeve is serving as acting chief of staff but faces objections from lawmakers.

The reports suggest that tensions between Driscoll and Hegseth, a close ally of Vice President JD Vance, have simmered since the early days of the Trump administration. Disputes reportedly arose over influence and policy, including Driscoll's offer to arrange a meeting between Vance and Trump to discuss Army reforms, and Hegseth's selection of Driscoll to negotiate with Ukrainian officials regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

During his tenure, Driscoll, a former Army Ranger and venture capitalist, worked closely with former Chief of Staff Gen Randy George. Together, they focused on modernizing the Army, integrating new technologies like drones and artificial intelligence, and improving soldier living conditions. Driscoll also traveled to Ukraine with George to discuss peace negotiations.