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US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll submits resignation, media reports say

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-31

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has submitted his resignation amid escalating tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following a tenure focused on aligning Army operations with President Trump's agenda. • Why it matters: Driscoll's resignation adds to a series of high-profile departures from the Pentagon, raising concerns about military leadership stability and the future direction of the Army, especially in light of ongoing international conflicts. • What to watch next: The White House and the Army are expected to address the leadership vacuum created by Driscoll's resignation, with attention on the selection of his successor and the potential implications for military operations and governance.

**US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll Resigns Amid Tensions with Defense Secretary**

*August 31, 2026*

In a significant development within the United States military leadership, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll has submitted his resignation, as reported by various media outlets. This decision follows a period marked by escalating tensions between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on Driscoll's resignation on Monday, prompting inquiries from the press. While the White House did not explicitly confirm the resignation, it refrained from denying the reports, indicating a level of acknowledgment regarding the situation.

Driscoll's tenure has been characterized by his efforts to align the Army's operations with the broader agenda of President Donald Trump, particularly the initiative to "Make America Strong Again." Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for the White House, praised Driscoll's leadership, highlighting his contributions to military readiness, operational effectiveness, and diplomatic efforts, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Kelly stated, “The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.”

Despite the positive remarks from the White House, the circumstances surrounding Driscoll's resignation remain somewhat unclear. According to Reuters, it is not yet known whether the White House has officially accepted his resignation. The Army has declined to provide further comments on the matter.

Driscoll's resignation adds to a growing list of departures from the Pentagon under Secretary Hegseth's leadership. Earlier this year, Hegseth dismissed Army Chief of Staff Randy George, and General Christopher Donahue, the Army's commander in Europe and Africa, also stepped down unexpectedly in June. The Defense Secretary's actions have raised eyebrows, as he has made several high-profile removals, including that of Navy Secretary John Phelan, marking a notable shift in military leadership dynamics during President Trump’s second term.

Driscoll is reportedly close to Vice President JD Vance, which may have implications for the ongoing reshuffling of military leadership. His resignation is likely to prompt discussions about the future direction of the Army and the Pentagon as a whole, especially in light of the recent changes at the top levels of military command.

As the situation develops, the implications of Driscoll's departure for military operations and the relationship between the Army and the Defense Department will be closely monitored. The ongoing tensions within the Pentagon reflect broader challenges in military leadership and governance, particularly as the U.S. navigates complex international relations and defense strategies.

The Army and the White House are expected to address the leadership vacuum created by Driscoll's resignation in the coming days, as the search for a successor begins amidst a backdrop of significant military and geopolitical challenges.

Source: Al Jazeera
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