United States: Dan Driscoll resigns after tensions at the Pentagon

Dan Driscoll, the US Army Secretary, has tendered his resignation to the White House. The report, first published by the Wall Street Journal, was confirmed by the White House to Agence France-Presse on 31 August. However, according to Reuters, it was not immediately clear whether his resignation had been accepted.

The departure follows months of tensions with Pete Hegseth, the US Defence chief. The disagreements reportedly concerned the Army’s transformation and operational readiness, according to a source close to the matter cited by Reuters.

Army modernisation at the centre of reported differences

Dan Driscoll advocated accelerated modernisation of the Army, based on more flexible procurement methods and the development of less costly equipment. He reportedly voiced concerns to the administration over the progress of these changes.

According to the same Reuters source, he believed that the removal of generals involved in the transformation was hampering ongoing efforts. In particular, Pete Hegseth removed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April. In June, he also dismissed the commander of US ground forces in Europe and blocked the promotion of several senior Army officials, according to the reports.

A succession of departures at the Pentagon

Dan Driscoll’s resignation is part of a series of departures and removals of Pentagon officials since Pete Hegseth took office. Dave Fitzgerald, the Army’s deputy secretary for innovation, could also resign soon, according to Reuters.

Appointed by Donald Trump and confirmed in his post in February 2025, Dan Driscoll had also been tasked with taking part in discussions between Moscow and Kyiv on the war in Ukraine. This was an unusual diplomatic mission for an Army Secretary.

The White House praises his record

In a statement, the White House described Dan Driscoll as highly effective in implementing the presidential agenda and praised his role in military operations. It also said the US Army had been strengthened through his work with the president and Pete Hegseth.

The developments come as the United States is engaged in an armed conflict with Iran and thousands of US troops are deployed in the Middle East, according to TV5MONDE.