Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to depart his role at the Pentagon in the coming days, the White House confirmed Monday. The move follows months of what reports described as a turf war with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Driscoll’s departure would leave the Army without a Senate-confirmed civilian leader. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who is described as close to Hegseth, has been serving as the Army’s acting chief of staff since Hegseth removed Gen. Randy George from that position in April.
In a statement, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly credited Driscoll with advancing the administration's agenda, providing leadership during "historic military operations," and assisting in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Kelly stated that Driscoll’s leadership restored an emphasis on "readiness and lethality" and characterized the U.S. Army as "more powerful than ever" due to his work alongside the president and the "Secretary of War."
The resignation follows months of friction between Driscoll and Hegseth. Until a successor is named and confirmed by the Senate, the service will operate without a permanent civilian head.