US Army Secretary Resigns Amid Reports of Tension with Secretary of Defense

The United States Army Secretary, Dan Driscoll, has submitted his resignation from his position. Driscoll’s resignation follows reports regarding tensions with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

According to AFP on Tuesday (1/9/2026), when asked about reports from the Wall Street Journal stating that Driscoll had resigned, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not deny the claim.

“Driscoll has been very effective in advancing President Trump’s ‘Make America Strong Again’ agenda within the Department of the Army,” said Kelly.

Kelly cited Driscoll’s “extraordinary leadership” during US military operations, including “restoring the emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and much more.”

She added, “The United States Army is now stronger than ever thanks to his performance alongside the Commander-in-Chief and the Secretary of Defense.”

If accepted, Driscoll’s resignation will be the latest instance of a senior military leader stepping down under the administration of President Donald Trump.

As a former law school classmate of Vice President JD Vance, Driscoll was reported to have benefited from their friendship within the government, yet he reportedly clashed with Hegseth.

An Army veteran who served in Iraq, Driscoll previously ran for Congress in 2020 but was unsuccessful, and subsequently served as an advisor for Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign.

As the war in Iran enters its seventh month, this resignation has the potential to leave the Army without permanent leadership, either from the civilian or active military ranks. Hegseth dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April and has yet to appoint a permanent successor.