Dan Driscoll resigned as Secretary of the Army after serving 18 months, stepping down amid months of reported disputes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Army's future and leadership changes [1, 2, 3]. Driscoll announced his intention to resign around September 1 or 2, effective September 2 or 3 [1, 4, 3]. He described serving under President Trump and Hegseth as "the honor of a lifetime," expressing gratitude for their support in modernizing Army practices and capabilities [4, 3].
On September 3, President Donald Trump appointed Adam Telle as acting Secretary of the Army, effective immediately [1, 2, 3]. Telle had served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works since August 2025 [1, 3]. Trump called Telle "a Great Patriot, who is respected by all" and announced, "I am pleased to announce that Adam Telle... will become Acting Secretary of the Army, effective immediately" [1, 2].
Telle brings extensive experience from his time working for Republican senators and as part of the White House legislative affairs team during Trump's first term [1, 3]. Although Army Undersecretary Mike Obadal was considered a possible acting secretary after Driscoll's departure, Trump bypassed him in favor of Telle [4]. Meanwhile, Sean Parnell remains a discussed candidate for the permanent post but has not been appointed [4].
The Army continues to face challenges related to readiness, modernization, and the ongoing conflict with Iran [1, 4]. Telle will take charge amid these issues as acting secretary.
Driscoll’s resignation and Telle’s appointment mark a quick leadership transition at the Army amid internal disagreements over its strategic direction. The change comes as Telle steps into his new post immediately, with the Army poised to address its evolving operational demands under his leadership [1, 2, 3].
