Army Secretary Dan Driscoll left the Pentagon after 18 months in the role amid reports of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. ^[1] US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated on 2026-07-12 that ICE agents could be deployed to polling locations if there are specific threats or warrants. ^[2] Gen. Charles Q Brown Jr. was replaced by Lieutenant General Dan Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 2025 after serving 16 months in the post. ^[3] President Donald Trump was reportedly surprised and concerned by the number of cuts to the department and the seniority of the officials who have left. ^[4] Sources cited by The Atlantic reported that Driscoll raised concerns with the administration regarding Army transformation and readiness, alleging Hegseth blocked these efforts by firing responsible generals. ^[5] Experts have criticized the administration's claims of non-citizen voting, citing lack of evidence. In one instance, DHS officials claimed 16,000 non-citizens were registered to vote in Nevada, but later admitted only 185 were confirmed as non-citizens. ^[6] Federal law prohibits military personnel or 'armed' agents from being 'at any place where a general or special election is held'. ^[7] The Department of Homeland Security stated on 2026-07-12 that ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations. ^[8]