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// DOSSIER — trump-taps-adam-telle-acting-army-secretary
Trump Taps Adam Telle as Acting Army Secretary After Dan Driscoll's Resignation
REL_TIME: 05 Sep 2026 18:42Z · LANG: EN
President Donald Trump has appointed Adam Telle, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, as the new acting Army secretary, effective immediately. Telle steps into the role following the resignation of Dan Driscoll, who stepped down after 18 months amidst reported behind-the-scenes friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Pentagon leadership changes and military direction. Bypassing the traditional choice of Under Secretary Michael Obadal, Trump selected Telle, a long-time Republican congressional aide and former White House legislative liaison, drawing praise from administration officials and lawmakers while highlighting broader turmoil and leadership vacancies across the U.S. military.
// Background
The departure of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll follows an ongoing series of high-profile departures, early retirements, and firings within the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Tensions reportedly centered on the military's strategic direction, modernization initiatives, and the ousting of key generals—including former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. Telle takes over the nation's largest military service branch while U.S. forces remain engaged in conflict with Iran and deployed extensively in the Middle East.
// Key Developments
- President Trump appointed Adam Telle as acting Army secretary, effective immediately, bypassing Under Secretary Michael Obadal.
- Dan Driscoll resigned from his post as Army secretary following months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the ousting of several key military allies, including Gen. Randy George.
- Telle previously served as assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, chief of staff to Sen. Bill Hagerty, and as a congressional liaison during Trump's first term.
- The leadership shift comes while the U.S. military faces ongoing conflict with Iran and heavy troop deployments across the Middle East.
- Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over the growing leadership void at the top of the military ranks under Secretary Hegseth.
// Timeline
-
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removes Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.
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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submits his resignation to the White House following months of friction with Pete Hegseth.
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Dan Driscoll's last official day as Army secretary concludes.
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President Donald Trump announces the immediate appointment of Adam Telle as the acting secretary of the Army.
// Perspectives
[Donald Trump]
Expressed full confidence in Adam Telle's capability by appointing him as acting Army secretary and praising him as a great patriot.
[Pete Hegseth]
Endorsed Adam Telle's appointment, calling him strong, whip-smart, and an immediate asset to the military branch.
[Dan Driscoll]
Resigned from his position following months of friction with defense leadership, leaving without public criticism of the administration while thanking the president and defense secretary.
[Lawmakers (e.g., Thom Tillis)]
Expressed deep concern and criticism regarding continuous military turnover and the creation of a leadership void at the top of the military ranks.
// Quotes
“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 U.S. Army.”
“The president made an excellent choice in appointing him to serve as Acting Secretary of the Army. Adam has been a fantastic partner as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. I am confident he will succeed in leading America’s Army.”
“As a third-generation Army veteran, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the secretary of the Army under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.”
