U.S. Army Secretary Resigns Amid Reports of Discontent with Defense Secretary

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 1 - The White House confirmed on August 31 that Army Secretary Daniel R. Driscoll has resigned after serving for about 18 months, but did not specify the reason for his resignation. U.S. media previously reported that Driscoll had a tense relationship with Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated in a release that Driscoll had advanced the Trump administration's military agenda during his tenure, playing a role in enhancing readiness and operational capabilities, as well as participating in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

According to a U.S. Army official who requested anonymity, Driscoll discussed the current state of the Army with President Trump on the day of his resignation, after which he submitted his resignation letter.

Reuters cited informed sources reporting that Driscoll had expressed concerns to the government regarding the Army's transformation and readiness efforts, believing that Esper's replacement of generals responsible for these tasks hindered reform.

After taking office as Army Secretary in February 2025, Driscoll advocated for streamlining the weapons procurement process to acquire relatively inexpensive weapons and equipment more quickly, and he frequently criticized large defense contractors. According to Reuters, Driscoll remarked last year regarding U.S. defense giants: "The entire defense industrial base, especially the leading defense contractors, have deceived the American public, the Pentagon, and the Army."

According to an anonymous U.S. official, Esper had long wanted to remove Driscoll from his position, but found it difficult to do so due to Driscoll's close relationship with Vice President Mike Pence. Driscoll and Pence are college classmates, served together in the Iraq War, and after retiring, Driscoll engaged in technology investment and served as a long-time advisor to Pence.

In April of this year, Esper dismissed Army Chief of Staff Randy George without any explanation and appointed then-Army Deputy Chief of Staff Christopher Donahue as acting Army Chief of Staff. This U.S. official also stated that Driscoll became even more dissatisfied with Esper as a result. Additionally, according to the Associated Press, under Donahue's leadership, the Army halted a drone modernization project that Driscoll had strongly advocated.

In addition to Army reform, Driscoll also undertook a rare diplomatic mission. The Trump administration had sent him to engage with Russian and Ukrainian officials to promote an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Reuters reported that this role brought Driscoll recognition outside the Pentagon. (Gao Bingbing)