In brief
Dan Driscoll has stepped down as the Army’s top civilian after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, who has already dismissed more than a dozen generals, reportedly moved to remove Driscoll following concerns about the Army’s direction. The resignation follows a pattern of high‑profile exits, including Navy Secretary John Phelan and Army Chiefs Randy George and William Green. Driscoll was known as President Trump’s “drone guy” and led several key initiatives such as pushing for drone technology and national guard deployments. His departure marks a turning point as the Pentagon reevaluates its strategic priorities.
Dan Driscoll, the 41‑year‑old Army Secretary, has stepped down after 18 months in the job, following weeks of public clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Driscoll, who has been called President Donald Trump’s “drone guy” for his push on emerging battlefield tech, announced his resignation to the White House shortly after a CBS report confirmed escalating tensions between the two high‑ranking officials.
Hegseth, who has already fired more than a dozen senior officers since taking office, reportedly dismissed Driscoll after an internal review raised concerns about the Army’s direction under the Secretary’s leadership.
The resignation is part of a broader pattern of departures at the Pentagon, with Navy Secretary John Phelan quitting earlier this year and Army chiefs including Randy George and Maj Gen William Green stepping down or being replaced.
Driscoll’s service record includes deployments to Iraq in 2009 and a focus on “making America strong again” through advances in drone technology and national guard deployments. His exit marks a key moment as the U.S. military re‑examines its strategic priorities amid ongoing global conflicts.
