Amid tensions with Hegseth, US Army secy Dan Driscoll to step down by year-end
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to step down by late 2026 amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His departure, combined with the lack of a Senate-confirmed Army chief of staff, signals ongoing leadership instability within the Pentagon.
Why it matters
Leadership vacancies in the US military hierarchy can impact national security policy and the implementation of defense reforms during the Trump administration.
US Army secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to step down from his position by the end of 2026, or possibly earlier, following months of tension with US defence secretary Pete Hegseth, according to people familiar with the discussions cited by The Wall Street Journal.A separate report by The Hill also said Driscoll is looking to leave his role around the end of 2026. One source familiar with the discussions told the outlet that Driscoll has previously indicated that 23 to 24 months is the expected tenure of an Army secretary in the Trump administration.Driscoll's spokesperson declined to comment, while spokespeople for the Pentagon and Driscoll also declined to comment, according to the reports.Driscoll's departure could leave Army without Senate-confirmed leaderDriscoll's departure would leave the Army without a Senate-confirmed secretary.
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