Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, the White House confirmed, ending a tenure that lasted 18 months and leaving the Army without a Senate-confirmed leader. The resignation follows months of reported tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a CNN report citing multiple sources.

A source told CNN that Driscoll raised concerns about Army transformation and readiness, including what the source described as "Hegseth's blocking those efforts specifically by firing the generals who were responsible." An Army official told CNN that Driscoll "spoke to the president about the current state of the Army and submitted his resignation."

The White House released a statement from spokeswoman Anna Kelly praising Driscoll's work. "Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump's agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more," Kelly said. She added that "the United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War."

Background and Context

Driscoll, an Army veteran and longtime friend of Vice President JD Vance, worked closely with former Army chief of staff Gen. Randy George, whom Hegseth fired earlier this year. During a congressional appearance in April, Driscoll publicly praised George, saying, "I adore them. And he was an amazing, transformational leader."

Gen. Christopher LaNeve has served as the Army's acting chief of staff since George's dismissal. Driscoll is the latest military leader to leave office amid a string of departures; Gen. Christopher Donahue, the Army's commander in Europe and Africa, left his post in June.

It remains unclear when Driscoll will officially leave his post. Under Secretary of the Army Mike Obadal would typically become acting secretary.

The Pentagon referred questions to the Army. The Wall Street Journal first reported on Driscoll's resignation.