US Army Secretary Resigns from Trump Administration, Here's Why

The United States Army risks losing its permanent leadership once again. US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation amid reports of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

As reported by detikNews on Tuesday (1/9/2026), Driscoll’s resignation was reported by the Wall Street Journal. When asked about the report, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly did not deny it.

“Driscoll was highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to ‘Make America Strong Again’ at the Department of the Army,” Kelly said.

Kelly cited Driscoll’s outstanding leadership during US military operations, including restoring emphasis on readiness and lethality, helping negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and much more.

She added that the United States Army is now stronger than ever thanks to his work with the Commander-in-Chief and the Secretary of Defense.

If accepted, Driscoll’s resignation would be the latest departure of a senior military leader under President Donald Trump’s administration.

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

Driscoll is an Army veteran who served in Iraq. He ran for Congress in 2020 but was unsuccessful. He later became an adviser to Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign.

Driscoll’s resignation comes as the Iran war enters its seventh month. This situation could leave the Army without permanent leadership, both from civilian and active military ranks.

Hegseth dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April and has yet to appoint a permanent replacement.