US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll resigns amid tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Washington – Deputy Secretary of Defense Michael Driscoll announced his resignation on Tuesday, ending a tenure that had been marked by escalating friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to multiple U.S. media outlets. The departure, effective immediately, follows several months of reported disagreements over budget allocations, procurement strategies, and the department’s approach to emerging security challenges.

Sources familiar with the internal dynamics said the tension began shortly after Hegseth assumed office, when the secretary pushed for a rapid overhaul of acquisition processes that Driscoll, a career defense official, viewed as premature. The two officials reportedly clashed in a series of closed‑door meetings, with Driscoll urging a more measured pace while Hegseth pressed for accelerated timelines. The discord spilled into public statements, as congressional staffers noted a growing divide between the department’s civilian leadership and its senior bureaucratic ranks. Driscoll’s resignation is expected to trigger a temporary reshuffling of senior staff as the Pentagon seeks to stabilize its leadership amid ongoing policy debates.

The exit underscores the challenges of aligning strategic vision within the Defense Department during a period of heightened geopolitical pressure. While the administration has not detailed a successor, officials indicated that an interim deputy will be appointed while a comprehensive review of the department’s leadership structure is conducted. The transition is likely to be closely watched by lawmakers and defense industry stakeholders as the Pentagon navigates its next phase of operational planning.