Trump names Adam Telle as acting Army secretary after Dan Driscoll’s resignation

WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday night, Sept 3, President Trump said Adam Telle will step in as acting Army secretary after Dan Driscoll resigned earlier this week.

Telle has been in charge of the Army’s public works and civil engineering projects, everything from waterways and ports to flood control, working through the Army Corps of Engineers. He’s leaned into advancing the administration’s agenda on these fronts.

Dan Driscoll's departure amid tensions with Pete Hegseth

“He is a Great Patriot, who is respected by all,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post announcing Telle’s appointment.

Driscoll resigned just a day before the appointment, after months of clashing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Driscoll, who worked closely with Vice President JD Vance, left as part of a wider struggle over Hegseth’s push to overhaul the Army’s leadership.

That push already led to the ouster of several top officers, including Gen. Randy George, the Army’s chief of staff, and Gen. Chris Donahue, who led US Army Europe and Africa.

Telle is assuming the acting Army secretary role “effective immediately,” Trump said.

Driscoll’s departure highlighted Hegseth’s ambition to impose his will on the Army. The Pentagon chief has recently removed a number of its senior military officers.

Driscoll broke his silence about his departure late Tuesday, saying his last full day as secretary would be on Wednesday. He did not share the reason for his departure. 

“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. Tomorrow is my last full day in the role,” Driscoll said in a statement. “Our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families are our Nation’s very best and they have inspired me every day. I am sincerely thankful for their service and sacrifice.”

Adam Telle's background and confirmation

Telle built much of his career on Capitol Hill, mostly working with Senate Republicans.

Before his nomination to the Civil Works post, he was chief of staff for Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee.

He’s also spent time in the White House, handling legislative affairs during Trump’s first term. Last year, the Senate backed his move to Civil Works with a 72-22 vote.

“Huge congrats to Adam. Strong and whip smart,” Hegseth wrote on social media Thursday. “He is indeed a great Patriot, and will be an immediate asset to the @USArmy.”

This leadership shake-up comes at a time when the Army’s been dealing with a lot of turnover; the top ranks are missing several key officials after a wave of departures.

Telle steps in as acting secretary to steady things for now, giving the administration some breathing room as they search for a permanent pick. That person will eventually need Senate approval before taking over for good.