Pete Hegseth consumed by ‘paranoia’ over possible ouster by army secretary, new report details

Insiders claim Pete Hegseth is targeting allies of the army secretary to avoid being pushed out

BY YASIRA RAHMAN

UPDATED APR 4, 2026

Pete Hegseth is 'fixated' on Dan Driscoll as a successor, reportedly triggering a high-level shakeup to protect his position (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly struggling with intense "paranoia" over the possibility that he could be replaced by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll.

According to a report, the anxiety about Driscoll’s standing with President Trump contributed the abrupt removal of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, General David Hodne, and Major General William Green.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Hegseth struggles with fear of being replaced

The internal tension stems from a March 2025 group chat scandal involving national security officials and a reporter.

“This is all driven by the insecurity and paranoia that Pete has developed since Signalgate. Unfortunately, it is stoked by some of his closest aides who should be trying to calm the waters,” one official told the New York Post.

Since that incident, according to a source close to the Trump administration, Hegseth has become “fixated on Driscoll as a possible successor.”

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 12: U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll (C) poses for a group photo with members of the Washington, DC National Guard as they stage on the National Mall on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration has initiated a federal takeover of DC police and mobilized the DC National Guard, saying the moves are necessary to restore order in the city. City officials say they did not know about the plans in advance. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) — Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll poses for a group photo with members of the Washington, DC National Guard as they stage on the National Mall on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Hegseth upset over Driscoll’s growing WH influence

The relationship between the two leaders has reportedly deteriorated as Driscoll's influence grows.

“Hegseth has got a big conflict with Driscoll. And he’s been told by the White House he can’t fire Driscoll, at least for the moment,” the source told the Post’s Steven Nelson.

Driscoll, a close friend of Vice President JD Vance and a fellow Yale Law School graduate, has reportedly irritated Hegseth for months, especially after his involvement in Ukraine war negotiations last fall.

DOVER, DELAWARE - MARCH 07: (L-R) First lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine stand at attention as U.S. Army carry teams move flagged-draped transfer cases at Dover Air Force Base March 07, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. Six soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command were killed in action by an Iranian drone strike on March 1 in Port Shuabia, Kuwait during — First lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine stand at attention as U.S. Army carry teams move flagged-draped transfer cases at Dover Air Force Base March 07, 2026 in Dover, Delaware (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

Hegseth reportedly targeting military members loyal to Driscoll

Hegseth is allegedly targeting military members he believes are loyal to his rival.

“Hegseth is very concerned about being fired, and he knows that Driscoll is one of the top contenders, or a natural contender, to succeed him. So what Pete has been doing is taking anyone he perceives to be close with Driscoll and going after them,” the source continued.

Another source told the New York Post that “Pete got very paranoid about Driscoll talking behind his back to others in the military,” and added that “It’s really gotten under Hegseth’s skin. He’s trying to make everyone around Driscoll suffer for no reason.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Thursday, March 19, 2026 (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Hegseth’s top Pentagon spokesperson denies allegations

Despite these reports, Hegseth’s team denies any problems within the Pentagon.

Sean Parnell, Hegseth’s top spokesperson, dismissed the claims of a rift between the officials.

“Secretary Hegseth maintains excellent working relationships with the secretaries of every military service branch, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll,” Parnell told.