Politics

Search begins for next Army secretary following Dan Driscoll's resignation

Undersecretary Mike Obadal may serve as acting secretary as Sean Parnell and Representative Brian Mast emerge as potential permanent nominees.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 11:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation following reported policy and readiness disputes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Army Undersecretary Mike Obadal is positioned to potentially step in as acting secretary in the interim.
Administration insiders have floated Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and Representative Brian Mast as possible nominees for the role.
The White House has not yet announced a formal nomination, which will require Senate confirmation.

Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation to the White House, marking Wednesday as his final full day as Army secretary.[Fox News]
Driscoll's departure follows reported disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding military readiness and transformation initiatives.[Fox News]
Army Undersecretary Mike Obadal is considered a likely candidate to serve as acting secretary until a permanent replacement is confirmed.[Fox News]
Administration sources have identified chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and Florida Representative Brian Mast as prospective contenders for the nomination.[Fox News]
Lawmakers including Republican Senator Thom Tillis and Democratic Senator Jack Reed publicly criticized the administration and Hegseth over the ongoing leadership turnover at the Pentagon.[Fox News]

The White House has not officially confirmed whether Mike Obadal will assume the acting secretary role or who will be formally nominated to succeed Driscoll.[Fox News]