Pentagon Turf War Intensifies Between Hegseth and Driscoll

Tensions flare as Defense Secretary Hegseth purges senior Army officials amid power struggle with Army Secretary Driscoll

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting two shadowy figures in an abstract power struggle, conveying the tension and conflict between the Pentagon's top officials.The escalating turf war between Defense Secretary Hegseth and Army Secretary Driscoll exposes deep divisions and instability at the highest levels of the Pentagon.Today in Nashville

A simmering battle for influence between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has reached new heights, with Hegseth firing several of Driscoll's top advisers in what appears to be an effort to undermine the Army secretary's authority. The tensions stem from Driscoll's role in negotiating with Ukrainian officials last year, which Hegseth's team views as a threat to the Defense secretary's standing with President Trump.

Why it matters

The turf war between the two political appointees is raising concerns about the stability and leadership of the Pentagon, especially as the U.S. is engaged in a war against Iran. The ouster of respected Army Gen. Randy George has shaken some Republican lawmakers who have largely backed Hegseth despite his controversial tenure.

The details

Hegseth, a former infantry officer, has fired more than a dozen senior military leaders who he viewed as too 'woke' or too close to the previous administration. His recent firing of Driscoll's chief of staff, Gen. George, along with two other senior officials, stunned defense officials. The move came shortly after Hegseth overruled an Army investigation into an incident where military helicopters flew near Kid Rock's house in Tennessee, undercutting the service's disciplinary process.

  • Last year, Driscoll was picked by President Trump to negotiate with Ukrainian officials in hopes of ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • In recent weeks, Hegseth has fired more than a dozen senior military leaders who he viewed as too 'woke' or too close to the previous administration.
  • Two months ago, Hegseth fired one of Driscoll's top advisers, Col. Dave Butler.
  • Last week, Hegseth fired Driscoll's widely respected chief of staff, Gen. Randy George, along with two other senior military officials.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The Defense Secretary, a former infantry platoon leader who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has axed more than a dozen senior military leaders who had backed diversity efforts he derided as 'woke' or viewed as too cozy with the previous administration.

Dan Driscoll

The Army Secretary, who was picked last year by President Trump to negotiate with Ukrainian officials in hopes of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. He has won plaudits from both sides of the aisle and is rumored as a potential successor to Hegseth.

Gen. Randy George

Driscoll's widely respected chief of staff, who was fired by Hegseth last week. George has more than four decades of experience in the Army and was in favor of an investigation into the incident where military helicopters flew near Kid Rock's house in Tennessee.

Sean Parnell

The Pentagon's chief spokesperson, who has reportedly expressed interest in Driscoll's post if it opens up, according to current and former U.S. officials.

President Trump

The current president, who has expressed steadfast public support for both Hegseth and Driscoll.

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What they’re saying

“He's just really uncomfortable with anyone who could potentially be outshining him.”

— Current U.S. official

“Serving under President Trump has been the honor of a lifetime and I remain laser focused on providing America with the strongest land fighting force the world has ever seen.”

— Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army

“All I can say is that he was treated very unfairly, and now those same people that treated him unfairly, that fought against him, they called me up saying what a great choice he was.”

— President Trump

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.