Army Secretary Resignation Intensifies Pentagon Leadership Shake-up

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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned from his position, marking another high-profile departure in the Pentagon. The resignation follows months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the resignation, which adds to a pattern of shake-ups and personnel changes under Hegseth. Driscoll, an ally of former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, had been serving since February 2025. George’s removal by Hegseth earlier this year set the stage for Driscoll’s exit.

In an email to Newsweek, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly praised Driscoll’s leadership. She noted his role in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again and his involvement in key military operations and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

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

During his tenure, Driscoll took on a diplomatic role, particularly in U.S. efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He was also instrumental in accelerating the military’s development of drones and counter-drone technology.

Driscoll’s resignation highlights broader patterns of turnover at the Pentagon. Numerous senior officials have departed or been replaced during Hegseth’s tenure. This includes changes affecting senior Army commanders and civilian leadership.

Academic expert Rajan Menon commented on the situation, noting the unprecedented upheaval in the Department of Defense. Such changes raise questions about Hegseth’s management and the stability of military leadership.

The resignation occurs amid ongoing U.S. military operations in Iran, adding complexity to the leadership reshuffle. Public polls show a decline in support for Trump’s handling of the situation. A recent University of Massachusetts Amherst poll found that 68% disapprove of Trump’s Iran strategy.

Polling data reflects broad disapproval of U.S. military actions in Iran. Another survey by YouGov/Economist reported Trump’s approval on Iran at 30%, with 62% disapproving.