US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigns amid Pentagon shake-up

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to leave his post within days, with the White House accepting his resignation. The move marks the third high-profile departure from the Pentagon since April and follows months of reported friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Driscoll, who was confirmed in February 2025, had privately told close associates last week that he intended to step down by Labor Day. He visited the White House to discuss his future, though the outcome of that meeting was not disclosed.

Tensions had simmered for months, particularly after Hegseth dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George earlier this year. A US official said Hegseth had long viewed Driscoll as a bureaucratic rival and wanted him removed, but Driscoll's close ties to Vice President JD Vance complicated that effort.

Beyond his Pentagon duties, Driscoll gained prominence when President Donald Trump tapped him to participate in talks with Russia and Ukraine aimed at ending the war that began in 2022. He also pushed the Army to buy cheaper weapons more quickly, criticising major defence contractors for what he called misleading the Pentagon and the American people.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Driscoll's tenure, citing his leadership during military operations, his focus on readiness, and his role in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

The resignation follows the earlier exits of Navy Secretary John Phelan and General Randy George, signalling continued upheaval at the top of the US defence establishment.