Army Secretary Dan Driscoll Rejects Resignation Amid Feud With Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Driscoll vows to remain focused on strengthening the U.S. Army despite tensions with Pentagon leadership.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:23am

A dynamic, fragmented painting featuring military uniform elements in shades of green, blue, and gray, conveying the disjointed nature of the leadership conflict.A fractured, abstract illustration captures the tensions and power struggles within the U.S. military leadership.White House Today

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has stated that he has no plans to resign or depart from his role, despite reports of an ongoing feud with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The two Pentagon leaders have clashed over issues such as officer promotions and personnel decisions, including the removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, a close ally of Driscoll. Driscoll has reaffirmed his commitment to providing the U.S. with the world's strongest land fighting force, even as the White House has voiced support for both him and Hegseth.

Why it matters

The public dispute between the Army and Defense Secretaries highlights ongoing tensions and power struggles within the U.S. military leadership under the Trump administration. This feud could have significant implications for the direction and priorities of the Army, as well as broader Pentagon operations and decision-making.

The details

Driscoll and Hegseth have clashed over a range of issues, including disagreements over officer promotions and the ouster of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, a trusted ally of Driscoll. Hegseth has also intervened in other Army matters, such as ending the suspension of a crew that flew military helicopters near musician Kid Rock's estate and halting an investigation into the incident.

  • On Wednesday, Driscoll made his comments reaffirming his commitment to the role.
  • Last month, the Department of Defense denied reports that a broker for Hegseth tried to move millions into defense stocks before U.S. operations against Iran.

The players

Dan Driscoll

The current Secretary of the Army, who has stated he has no plans to resign or depart from his role despite tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Pete Hegseth

The current Secretary of Defense, who has clashed with Driscoll over a range of issues including officer promotions and personnel decisions.

Randy George

The former Army Chief of Staff, who was ousted from his position and was considered a close ally of Driscoll.

Anna Kelly

A White House spokesperson who emphasized the administration's support for both Driscoll and Hegseth.

Jack Keane

A retired U.S. Army general who warned that President Trump might authorize a "much larger" military campaign against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“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

“I have no plans to depart or resign as the Secretary of the Army.”

— Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army

“President Trump has effectively restored a focus on readiness and lethality across our military with the help of leaders like Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Driscoll.”

— Anna Kelly, White House Spokesperson

“OPERATION EPIC FURY”

— Pete Hegseth

“Trump might authorize a "much larger" military campaign against Iran, potentially targeting leadership and infrastructure”

— Jack Keane, Retired U.S. Army General

What’s next

The White House and Pentagon are expected to continue monitoring the situation between Driscoll and Hegseth, as their feud could have broader implications for the U.S. military's leadership and priorities.

The takeaway

The public dispute between the Army and Defense Secretaries underscores the ongoing power struggles and tensions within the U.S. military leadership under the Trump administration. This feud could significantly impact the direction and focus of the Army, as well as broader Pentagon operations, at a critical time for national security.