Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Resigns Amid Pentagon Shake-Ups

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has resigned, marking a significant change in the Pentagon’s leadership. His resignation follows reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as noted by Reuters. The Wall Street Journal first reported Driscoll’s departure. Driscoll, who took on the role in February 2025, was an ally of former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, who was removed by Hegseth earlier this year.

The resignation comes as the Pentagon faces scrutiny over personnel changes among senior military leaders. White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly praised Driscoll, stating he was effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda at the Department of the Army. She highlighted his leadership during military operations and efforts in 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 by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more,” Kelly said.

Driscoll’s role went beyond typical duties, involving him in diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. He also focused on advancing drone technology for military use, according to the Associated Press.

Recent Pentagon Leadership Changes

• Army Secretary Dan Driscoll (reportedly stepping down)
• Former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George (fired)
• Former General Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (stepped down)
• Former General David Hodne, head of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (fired)
• Former Major General William Green, Army’s chief of chaplains (fired)
• Former Navy Secretary John Phelan (departed immediately)

Driscoll’s resignation occurs during a critical period for the Trump administration. The U.S. is actively engaged in military efforts against Iran, with new strikes on Iranian targets. This reshaping of Army leadership is generating questions about Hegseth’s management.

Public sentiment towards the war with Iran is negative. A University of Massachusetts Amherst poll shows 68 percent disapproval of Trump’s handling of the conflict. Only 25 percent believe Trump managed the conflict well. The poll surveyed 1,000 respondents from August 21–26, 2026, with a margin of error of 3.5 percent.

A YouGov/Economist poll further reflects these sentiments. It indicates a 30 percent approval and a 62 percent disapproval of Trump’s actions regarding Iran. It surveyed 1,611 U.S. adults from August 14-17, 2026, with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.