Politics
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll considers resigning by year's end, sources say
The potential resignation follows reported disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and recent shifts in military leadership and drone initiatives.
The short version
- U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering stepping down from his post by the end of the year, according to people familiar with the matter.
- The potential exit follows months of reported tension between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including the April removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.
- The Army recently moved to phase out an experimental drone battalion established by George, and a permanent nominee for Army chief of staff has yet to be named.
Key facts
- U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering leaving his role by the end of the year, according to sources cited by CBS News and The Wall Street Journal.[CBS News]
- Driscoll has served as Army Secretary since taking office following Senate confirmation in February 2025.[CBS News]
- The reported friction follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's April request for Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, a close associate of Driscoll, to step down and retire early.[CBS News]
- The Army plans to phase out the Unmanned Assault Battalion, a drone warfare unit created the prior year by Gen. George and Gen. Christopher Donahue to study tactical lessons from the war in Ukraine.[CBS News]
- President Donald Trump has not yet nominated a permanent successor to fill the Army chief of staff position, which is currently held by acting chief Gen. Christopher LaNeve.[CBS News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Driscoll will finalize his decision to resign or remain in his post through the end of the year has not been officially confirmed by Driscoll or the Army.[CBS News]