Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation Monday after 18 months as the Army’s top civilian leader, with the White House crediting him for advancing military readiness, supporting major operations and assisting U.S. efforts involving Russia and Ukraine.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation Monday night, ending an 18-month tenure in which he became the youngest person ever to serve as the top civilian leader of the U.S. Army.
No reason was immediately given for Driscoll’s decision to leave the post, which he has held since February 2025.
The timing of his formal departure has not yet been announced, and the administration has not identified a replacement.
The White House praised Driscoll’s record following news of his resignation, highlighting his role in military readiness, major operations and diplomatic efforts involving Russia and Ukraine.
“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,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement cited by the Associated Press.
“The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War,” Kelly added.
As secretary of the Army, Driscoll oversaw the service’s active-duty force as well as the Army National Guard and Army Reserve.
The position carries responsibility for administration, personnel, readiness, acquisition and broader civilian oversight of one of the nation’s largest military branches.
Driscoll brought prior military experience to the position.
He served as an Army officer beginning in 2007, later commanded a cavalry platoon and deployed to Iraq for several months in 2009.
He subsequently attended Yale Law School, where he was a classmate of Vice President JD Vance.
President Donald Trump selected Driscoll for the Army post in 2024 and described him at the time as “a disruptor and change agent.”
The nomination reflected the administration’s broader push to change military priorities and place greater emphasis on combat readiness and institutional reform.
Driscoll also had prior political experience.
A Republican, he ran for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District in 2020.
His work as Army secretary drew praise Monday from lawmakers in both parties.
Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., who previously served in the Army National Guard, described Driscoll as “a transformative leader who brought common sense and discipline to the Department of the Army.”
“I had the pleasure of working with him closely, and appreciated how engaged he was from mentoring cadets at West Point to leading the Army at the Pentagon,” Womack wrote. “The Army is better equipped and prepared to tackle emerging threats because of his leadership that strengthened the force while putting our Soldiers first.”
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, also told reporters that he had worked effectively with Driscoll despite disagreements over policy.
The bipartisan comments reflect Driscoll’s involvement in issues ranging from force readiness to military modernization and personnel priorities during a period of significant international instability.
According to the White House, his responsibilities also extended beyond routine Army management.
Kelly specifically cited Driscoll’s participation in negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, placing him among administration officials involved in efforts related to the nearly five-year conflict.
His resignation comes after less than two years in the position and leaves the Army awaiting new civilian leadership at a time when the service is confronting evolving security threats and continuing modernization efforts.
The administration has not yet said when Driscoll’s resignation will take effect or when Trump intends to nominate a successor.
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