US army secretary resigns after months of tension

September 1, 2026

Dan Driscoll, the youngest person ever to serve as US Army Secretary, has resigned after approximately 18 months in office following prolonged tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The 41-year-old official, nicknamed Trump's "drone guy" for his focus on emerging military technologies, departs as part of a broader exodus of senior military leadership that includes the Navy Secretary and several high-ranking generals. During his tenure, Driscoll played significant roles in National Guard deployments to American cities, Ukraine peace negotiations where he met with President Zelensky, and briefly served as acting ATF director.

Who is affected

Dan Driscoll (resigning Army Secretary)
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
Army Chief of Staff Randy George (Driscoll's friend, reportedly asked to resign)
Navy Secretary John Phelan (previously departed)
Army Gen David Hodne
Maj Gen William Green
More than a dozen senior military officers fired by Hegseth
Chief of naval operations and Air Force vice-chief of staff (both fired)
US Army active duty troops, National Guard, and reserve soldiers
President Donald Trump's administration
Vice-President JD Vance (Driscoll's close friend)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are stated in the article beyond the resignation itself, which has already been submitted and confirmed.

Why it matters

This resignation is significant because it represents continued instability in US military leadership under the current administration, with Driscoll being the latest in a series of high-profile departures and dismissals. The loss of the Army Secretary—the top civilian leader overseeing active duty troops, National Guard, and reserves—during a period when he was actively involved in critical international negotiations like Ukraine peace talks creates potential disruption in military operations and foreign policy initiatives. The turnover of over a dozen senior military officers signals substantial friction within the Pentagon's leadership structure.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC