Internal rift exposed as US Army Secretary resigns

Alongside these two prominent figures, another name went unmentioned, yet he ultimately absorbed the accountability. Daniel P. Driscoll, Secretary of the US Army, resigned from his post on Monday local time.  

According to a report by The New York Times, Driscoll stepped down following a persistent power struggle with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former television presenter turned politician.

US administration officials confirmed that Driscoll, the top civilian official in the Army, tendered his resignation letter directly to President Trump on Monday. He had repeatedly clashed with Secretary Hegseth over the removal of key battle-tested military leaders.  

Driscoll’s resignation was not entirely unexpected. It comes at a chaotic time, marking the Army’s busiest and most critical period since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  

Army air defense units are currently playing a pivotal role in intercepting an escalating volume of sophisticated Iranian missile attacks targeting US troops deployed across the Middle East. Simultaneously, US Army commands based in Europe are providing crucial intelligence and support to Ukraine, enabling it to sustain its fight against vast Russian forces.

Meanwhile, Hegseth has become embroiled in a series of dismissals and high-profile feuds, leaving the US military leadership practically fractured at a moment when it must counter lethal drone and missile threats relentlessly striking US bases in the Middle East.

A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Driscoll met with Trump in person to discuss the current state of the Army and submit his formal resignation.  

Administration officials further noted that the Army has lacked a Senate-confirmed Chief of Staff since General Randy George was abruptly dismissed without clear cause in April. There are currently no indications of a successor being appointed.  

Hegseth has removed at least three senior officers who were considered potential candidates to succeed General George.

With this departure, the Army is now deprived of its top civilian leadership until Trump nominates a replacement. The Wall Street Journal was the first to break the news of Driscoll’s resignation.  

The resignation comes as US midterm elections draw near, making the fast-tracked nomination and Senate confirmation of a successor increasingly difficult. 

Dan Driscoll leaves the post of Army Secretary after serving approximately 18 months. At 41, Driscoll was the youngest person in US history to hold the position. Known for his keen interest in modern combat technology and uncrewed aerial systems, he earned the nickname "Drone Guy" within President Trump's circle.

According to CBS News, friction between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Hegseth had been brewing for months, though specific underlying triggers remain undisclosed. In the military chain of command, the Secretary of the Army sits directly below the Secretary of Defense.

Driscoll joins a growing list of senior US military officials who have recently departed. Navy Secretary John Phelan unexpectedly resigned in April. Additionally, several high-ranking officers - including former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, General David Hodne, and Major General William Green - have stepped down.

Amid operational failures in the Iran conflict, pressure is mounting on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign. Opposition Democratic senators have voiced strong demands for his removal, with Senator Jon Ossoff emerging as one of the most vocal critics.