- Dan Driscoll broke his silence late Tuesday, announcing that his last full day as Army secretary will be Wednesday, but he did not offer a reason for why he is leaving the role he has held for 18 months.
- In a statement on X, Driscoll said, "As a third-generation Army veteran, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Secretary of the Army under and Secretary Hegseth. Tomorrow is my last full day in the role."
- Driscoll expressed gratitude for the soldiers, civilians, and families, saying, "Our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families are our Nation’s very best, and they have inspired me every day. I am sincerely thankful for their service and sacrifice."
- Driscoll praised Secretary Hegseth for supporting modernization efforts, despite reported tensions between the two since early 2025.
- Driscoll's departure underscores how Hegseth is consolidating power at the Pentagon, having ousted several senior Army leaders.
- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) expressed disappointment and noted rumors that Driscoll was frustrated with the release of top generals.
- Hegseth has blocked the promotion of at least six more U.S. Army officers, according to reports.
- Driscoll went to the White House on Monday and spoke with the president about the "current state" of the Army before tendering his resignation.
- Driscoll added, "I am forever grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to once again serve my country."
- Sources told the unnamed individuals had been set for the rank of two-star general until Hegseth intervened, the latest in a series of similar moves by the secretary this year.
- In August the same outlet reported Hegseth had obstructed four other officers from receiving one star promotions, and in March the secretary was said to have - two women and two Black men - in similar fashion.
- Analysis by he has now fired or blocked the promotions of more than 80 generals and admirals, amounting to a purge of around 10 per cent of the military’s top officers.
- Hegseth has made no secret of his intentions to refashion the department in his own image since he was appointed by President Donald Trump.
- In a speech to military leaders at Quantico, Virginia last September he set out his vision for a Pentagon shaped by a 'warrior ethos'.
- Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Independent that 'Promotion recommendations sent to the Secretary of War have always been recommendations - never mandates,' noting that 'the Secretary has the final statutory authority to review and approve these rosters.'
- Parnell added: 'As we have made clear, all senior military leaders serve at the pleasure of the President and Secretary.'
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced his resignation, stating, "Tomorrow is my last full day in the role". His departure follows a series of tensions with Defense Secretary Hegseth, who has blocked the promotion of six officers, adding to a pattern of purging military leadership.12915
Driscoll, a third-generation Army veteran, expressed gratitude for his service, saying, "Our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families are our Nation’s very best". He acknowledged the support of Hegseth, despite their conflicts, stating, "We could not have made the progress we did without the support of Secretary Hegseth".3
Reports indicate that Hegseth has obstructed the promotions of at least six officers, with sources revealing they were set for two-star general ranks before his intervention. This follows previous incidents where Hegseth blocked four officers from one-star promotions and has now reportedly fired or blocked over 80 generals and admirals, amounting to a purge of around 10 percent of the military’s top officers.1214
Sen. Mike Rounds expressed disappointment over Driscoll's departure, noting, "I’m hearing the same rumors everybody else is: that he was frustrated with some of his top generals being released". Hegseth's actions reflect his intent to reshape the Pentagon, as he stated in a speech last September, aiming for a department characterized by a 'warrior ethos'.78
“Driscoll praised Hegseth for modernization support despite reported tensions since early 2025, and Sen. Mike Rounds said he heard rumors Driscoll was frustrated with the release of top generals. Hegseth has now fired or blocked promotions of more than 80 generals and admirals, a purge of about 10% of top officers.”
The Independent
