Top Driscoll Adviser Forced Out by Defense Secretary Hegseth

Col. David Butler, a longtime Army spokesperson, retires after 28 years of service following Hegseth's directive.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 4:47am

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has forced out a top adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who was in line for a promotion that had been held up by the Pentagon chief. Col. David Butler, Driscoll's spokesperson, was immediately transitioned from his position as Chief of Army Public Affairs to retirement after 28 years of service, according to an Army spokesperson.

Why it matters

Hegseth's move to oust Butler marks another change among the senior military brass since he took over the Pentagon. Hegseth has fired or forced into retirement a number of senior military officials, raising concerns about his influence over personnel decisions.

The details

Hegseth directed Driscoll, who is currently in Switzerland as part of a U.S. delegation negotiating to end the Russia-Ukraine war, to remove Col. David Butler from the Pentagon last week. Butler was among over 30 Army officers who were en route to a promotion, but Hegseth had expressed concerns over some of the officers and held up the promotions. Butler took his name off the promotion list and filed his retirement paperwork in hopes of allowing other officers to get promoted.

  • On February 18, 2026, Col. David Butler transitioned from his position as Chief of Army Public Affairs to retire.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense who forced out Col. David Butler from his position.

Dan Driscoll

The current U.S. Army Secretary who was directed by Hegseth to remove Col. David Butler from the Pentagon.

Col. David Butler

A longtime Army spokesperson who was forced out of his position as Chief of Army Public Affairs and retired after 28 years of service.

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What they’re saying

“After 28 years of dedicated service, Col. Dave Butler is immediately transitioning from his position as Chief of Army Public Affairs to retire. His integral role in the Army's transformation efforts will be missed, and we wish him tremendous success.”

— Cynthia O. Smith, Army spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.