President Trump has appointed a senior Army engineering official as acting secretary of the Army, according to administration officials. The selection follows the resignation of Daniel P. Driscoll, who stepped down after a series of disputes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The new acting secretary, whose name has not been publicly announced, brings extensive experience in military infrastructure and logistics.
The leadership change comes amid broader turmoil within the Pentagon, as Hegseth has pushed for the removal of several high-ranking generals. Driscoll’s departure marks a significant escalation in that internal conflict, which has drawn sharp criticism from former military leaders and lawmakers. He had reportedly resisted efforts to purge senior officers without due process.
In recent weeks, the Army has faced mounting pressure over its chain of command and strategic direction. Hegseth’s efforts to overhaul leadership have been described as an attempt to reshape the service’s culture and priorities. However, critics argue that the moves risk undermining morale and institutional stability.
The new acting secretary is expected to focus on day-to-day operations, including budget management and ongoing modernization programs. Sources indicate that the selection was made quickly to ensure continuity, though no permanent nominee has been proposed yet. The Army is currently managing multiple overseas deployments and procurement initiatives.
This appointment follows a pattern of interim placements across the Defense Department, as the administration seeks to solidify control over key military branches. Several other senior positions remain vacant or filled by acting officials. The Senate has yet to schedule confirmation hearings for any permanent replacements.
Observers note that the timing of the change could complicate upcoming decisions on force structure and technology investments. Army officials have been working on plans to integrate new air-defense systems and upgrade armored units. Uncertainty over leadership may delay those efforts in the near term.
The resignation of Driscoll, a former combat veteran, was announced earlier this week. He had been in the role for less than a year and was initially seen as a consensus choice. His public clashes with Hegseth centered on the proposed removal of generals involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal and other operations.
Reaction from Capitol Hill has been mixed, with some lawmakers praising the shake-up as necessary for accountability. Others have expressed concern about political interference in military appointments. Several committees have requested briefings on the circumstances surrounding Driscoll’s exit.
The White House has not commented on the timeline for naming a permanent Army secretary. Pentagon officials say that internal reviews are underway to address leadership concerns. For now, the engineering official will oversee a branch that oversees over one million active-duty and reserve personnel.
This marks the latest in a series of high-level changes within the Defense Department this year. The administration has emphasized its commitment to military readiness and efficiency. However, the pace of turnover has raised questions about long-term planning and stability.
