WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after about 18 months in the role, adding to a series of senior military departures under President Donald Trump.
The White House announced Driscoll’s departure after he spoke with Trump about the current state of the Army, according to an Army official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. No reason for his exit was immediately given.
Driscoll’s departure comes as the Pentagon faces questions about leadership, military policy and its approach to modern warfare. His exit also follows the departures of other senior Army leaders.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Gen. Randy George as the Army’s top uniformed leader in April. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who led Army forces in Europe and Africa, stepped down in June. Gen. Christopher LaNeve later replaced George.
Driscoll had pushed the Army to adapt quickly to new forms of warfare. He supported efforts to expand drone and counter-drone programs. However, Army leaders later ordered one Europe-based unit to stop developing its own drones.
Members of Congress from both parties praised Driscoll after news of his departure. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Driscoll worked to prepare the Army for future battlefields.
Rep. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat and former Army Ranger, also praised Driscoll’s knowledge and work ethic. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Steve Womack called him a strong leader who brought discipline to the Army.
The leadership changes come as the United States deals with growing tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Two more ships faced attacks near the strategic waterway, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center.
A tanker reportedly suffered three projectile strikes while leaving the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Another incident involved a tanker and military forces near Oman. Officials reported no casualties or environmental damage from the first attack.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iran controls the strait. He argued that the limited number of ships passing through the waterway shows the country’s influence over the key trade route.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered a different view. He predicted that the Strait of Hormuz could lose much of its importance within two years as shipping companies seek other routes.
The conflict has also affected the U.S. economy. Higher oil prices have pushed up costs for gasoline, transportation, and other goods. Brent crude recently climbed to $92.74 a barrel.
Meanwhile, U.S. job openings rose slightly in July. The Labor Department reported 7.27 million openings, up from a revised 7.18 million in June. The labor market remains steady, although hiring has slowed compared with earlier years.
At the same time, higher oil prices and concerns about inflation have pressured U.S. government bonds. The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.78%, while the two-year yield reached 4.37%.
The U.S. Postal Service faces criticism over a new computer system designed to implement Trump’s restrictions on mail voting.
A whistleblower statement released by Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned that errors in the system could disrupt ballot processing. The Postal Service has tried to develop the system within months, even though such projects normally take much longer.
The Trump administration also secured a major legal victory Monday. The Supreme Court allowed construction to continue on a planned $400 million White House ballroom while lawsuits continue.
Chief Justice John Roberts dissented from the decision. He argued that Congress should approve the project. The ruling gives Trump another win as his administration seeks to reshape the White House and federal government.
