US Army Secretary Driscoll resigns after months of tension with Hegseth

September 1, 2026 at 04:23 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has submitted his resignation following months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to media reports. The White House did not deny the resignation when asked on Monday, and NBC News reported that the White House has accepted it. Driscoll is the latest senior Pentagon official to leave under Hegseth, who has removed several generals and admirals since taking office.

Key Facts

Driscoll submitted his resignation after months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the direction of the US military and dismissals of senior officers.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the resignation on the night of September 1, and Reuters and AP later confirmed the information.
NBC News, citing sources, reported that the White House has accepted Driscoll's resignation.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly praised Driscoll for advancing Trump's agenda, including assisting in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Driscoll is the latest senior official to leave the Pentagon under Hegseth, who fired Army Chief of Staff Randy George in April and saw General Christopher Donahue step down in June.

Resignation Reports

The Wall Street Journal first reported Driscoll's resignation on the night of September 1, with Reuters and AP later confirming the information. Asked about the report on Monday, the White House did not deny it. NBC News, citing sources, reported that the White House has accepted Driscoll's resignation. The Army declined to comment on the reports.

White House Response

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly issued a statement praising Driscoll's leadership. She credited him with advancing Trump's 'Make America Strong Again' agenda, restoring readiness and lethality, and assisting in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Kelly added that the US Army is 'more powerful than ever' thanks to Driscoll's work.

Pentagon Departures

Driscoll, considered close to Vice President JD Vance, is the latest senior official to leave the Pentagon under Hegseth. Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff Randy George in April, and General Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa, stepped down in June. Hegseth has also removed several other generals and admirals, including the head of the Navy. In April, the Pentagon announced that Navy Secretary John Phelan was leaving, making him the first military service head to depart during Trump's second term.