DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Israel /Elections & Politics

US Army secretary expected to step down by year's end after months of tension with Hegseth - report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly expected to resign by the end of the year amid tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  • His departure would leave the Army without a Senate-confirmed leader, following Hegseth's controversial firing of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George.
  • Driscoll and George had partnered on military reforms and integrating new technology, and had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to step down by year's end, according to a Wall Street Journal report, leaving the Army without a confirmed leader after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This follows Hegseth's April decision to fire Army Chief of Staff General Randy George without explanation, a move that drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and Driscoll himself, who lauded George as "an amazing, transformative leader."

President Donald Trump has not yet named a successor for Driscoll. General Christopher LaNeve, Hegseth's former senior military aide, is currently serving as acting Army chief of staff. Reports of discord between Driscoll and Hegseth surfaced early in the administration, including Hegseth's rejection of Driscoll's proposal for Vice President JD Vance and Trump to visit soldiers and discuss military reform.

an amazing, transformative leader.

โ€” Dan DriscollDescribing Army Chief of Staff General Randy George after his firing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Driscoll and George were reportedly close collaborators, focusing on integrating new technology into the military and viewing it as crucial for future warfare. The two, along with former top European general Chris Donahue, traveled to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss peace negotiations. During his 18-month tenure, Driscoll encouraged the Army to emulate the Ukrainian military's use of commercial technology on the battlefield.

Private companies have committed over $25 billion to construct data centers, critical mineral refineries, and dining facilities on Army bases nationwide. Driscoll and his family have relocated from the official Army Secretary residence to a smaller apartment on base, with his family moving to North Carolina. President Trump had previously praised Driscoll last month, calling him "one of the best guys."

With that beautiful smile, but heโ€™s actually a killer. Look at that beautiful, nice face. Everythingโ€™s so happy. Heโ€™s a killer. Would you believe it? Those are

โ€” Donald TrumpPraising Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.