U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly contemplating a departure from his position, a development fueled by growing friction between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to multiple sources. The situation has been unfolding for months, with behind-the-scenes disagreements escalating into a potential reshuffling of leadership within the military’s highest ranks. Specifically, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that a directive to the Army was issued in early April, directed by Secretary Hegseth, which effectively sidelined Gen. Randy George, a close confidant of Driscoll. George was tasked with stepping down and retiring, a move that occurred amidst a broader effort to curtail the influence of a particular branch of the Army. The impetus for this discussion stems from a recent, and intensely private, conversation between Driscoll and CBS News, where Driscoll expressed concerns about the direction of the Army and the lack of a clear vision for its future. This sentiment was echoed by multiple current and former officials, who revealed that the planned phase-out of the Unmanned Assault Battalion, a drone unit established just last year by George and former commander of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Gen. Christopher Donahue, played a significant role in the deliberation. The Unmanned Assault Battalion, comprised of soldiers and experts, was initially formed to study and train on drone warfare, including lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It’s been noted that the unit was established to leverage the lessons gained from Ukraine, which has become a central point of strategic analysis for the Army. The situation has further complicated the leadership landscape, as Driscoll and Hegseth have publicly clashed in the past, with Driscoll frequently highlighting the need for more collaborative leadership and a shift in strategic thinking. President Trump has yet to formally nominate a replacement for George, and the possibility of a change at the highest level remains uncertain. Driscoll, a 39-year-old officer with a four-year tenure in the Army, began his career in 2025, serving initially in Iraq. He later earned his law degree from Yale University and subsequently worked in private equity and venture capital before transitioning into his current role. Zak Hudak contributed to this report.
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Source: CBS News
