The White House announced on Monday that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down following reports of months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. ^[1] US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation after serving in the role for approximately 18 months. ^[2] President Donald Trump nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent position on September 1, 2026. ^[3] According to CNN, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth viewed Driscoll's ties to senior administration officials as an effort to bypass the Defense Secretary in decision-making. ^[4] CNN reported that disagreements between Driscoll and Hegseth frequently centered on Driscoll's close relationship with Vice President JD Vance and his direct access to the White House. ^[5] White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump's agenda by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations and restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality. ^[6] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired more than a dozen senior military officers since entering the Pentagon, including the chief of naval operations and the Air Force's vice-chief of staff. ^[7] Concerns grew about the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products. ^[8] Democrats in Congress, including Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, believe Trump has been overtaxing the Navy. ^[9] President Trump stated that concerns have emerged that some sailors have been stretched to the limit during the Iran war. ^[10] Cao spent 25 years in the Navy as a special operations officer and served with SEAL teams and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. ^[11]