President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that Adam Telle will serve as the acting Secretary of the Army. Telle, who currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, replaces Dan Driscoll, who resigned from the post earlier in the week. The appointment is effective immediately.
The leadership change follows reported internal disagreements between Driscoll and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Driscoll, an ally of Vice President JD Vance, announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that his final full day in the role would be Wednesday, September 2. Hegseth has recently removed several high-ranking officers, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
Telle was confirmed by the Senate for his current civil works role in August 2025 with a 72-22 vote. In that capacity, he oversaw public works and civil engineering projects for the Army Corps of Engineers, including ports, waterways, and flood control infrastructure. He previously served as chief of staff for Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during Trump's first term.
Hegseth praised the appointment on Thursday, stating on social media that Telle would be an "immediate asset" to the Army. Telle’s professional background includes 20 years in government service, beginning in 2005 in the office of Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL). He also held a senior role on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee, managing matters for an organization with a $70 billion annual budget.
On a day-to-day level, Telle's background in civil works means he will continue to direct federal infrastructure projects. This includes the maintenance of commercial ports and inland waterways, as well as flood protection systems. Residents in coastal and riverine districts may see his administration's priorities reflected in the speed and funding of Army Corps of Engineers projects.
The move also signals a consolidation of leadership under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. By appointing an official already confirmed by the Senate for a sub-cabinet post, the administration bypasses the immediate need for a new confirmation hearing while placing a long-term Capitol Hill staffer in charge of the military's largest branch. What happens next is the potential for a formal nomination for a permanent Secretary, which would require a new round of Senate hearings and a confirmation vote.