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// DOSSIER — adam-telle-appointed-acting-army-secretary
Adam Telle Appointed Acting Army Secretary Following Dan Driscoll's Resignation
REL_TIME: 07 Sep 2026 12:12Z · LANG: EN
President Donald Trump has appointed Adam Telle, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, as the Acting Secretary of the Army. Telle's appointment follows the resignation of Dan Driscoll, which came amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In an unconventional move, Trump bypassed the Army's second-highest-ranking civilian, Michael Odabal, to select Telle. Telle is a veteran Capitol Hill staffer with deep ties to Republican senators and previously served as Trump's chief Senate liaison during his first term. His appointment comes during a period of leadership instability at the Pentagon and ongoing military challenges in the Middle East.
// Background
Dan Driscoll, a former Army Ranger and venture capitalist, served as Army Secretary from February 2025 until his resignation in late August 2026. Driscoll championed modernization, acquisition reform, and improved living conditions, but clashed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth subsequently ousted several of Driscoll's allies, including the top uniformed leader Gen. Randy George. Telle's appointment bypasses standard succession protocols, which would have elevated Deputy Michael Odabal, highlighting ongoing unconventional leadership transitions within the Pentagon.
// Key Developments
- President Trump named Adam Telle as Acting Secretary of the Army, effective immediately, following Dan Driscoll's resignation.
- The appointment bypassed the Army's No. 2 civilian leader, Michael Odabal, who would conventionally assume the acting role.
- Driscoll's departure follows reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has ousted several of Driscoll's allies.
- Telle previously served as Chief of Staff to Senator Bill Hagerty and as Trump's chief Senate liaison during his first administration.
- Telle has served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works since his Senate confirmation in August 2025.
// Timeline
-
Dan Driscoll is confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of the Army in a 66-28 vote.
-
Adam Telle is confirmed by the Senate (72-22) as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
-
Dan Driscoll submits his resignation to the White House.
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Driscoll's resignation is made public amid reports of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
-
Driscoll completes his final day in office; President Trump announces Adam Telle as Acting Secretary of the Army on Truth Social.
// Perspectives
[President Donald Trump]
Highly supportive of Telle, calling him a 'Great Patriot' respected by all, and quick to install him to maintain leadership.
[Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth]
Strongly supportive of Telle, calling him 'strong and whip smart,' while actively reshaping Army leadership by ousting Driscoll's allies.
[Senator Thom Tillis]
Critical of the leadership changes, accusing Hegseth of creating a leadership void at the top of the military ranks.
[Dan Driscoll]
Expressed gratitude for the 'honor of a lifetime' to serve, despite resigning amid reported policy and personal tensions with Hegseth.
// Quotes
“I am pleased to announce that Adam Telle, the current Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, will become Acting Secretary of the Army, effective immediately. He is a Great Patriot, who is respected by all.”
“Huge congrats to Adam. Strong and whip smart. He is indeed a great Patriot — and will be an immediate asset to the @USArmy.”
“is creating a leadership void at the top of our military ranks.”
