President Donald Trump appointed Adam Telle, assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, as acting secretary of the U.S. Army on Sept. 3, filling the vacancy left by Dan Driscoll’s resignation.
Trump announced the move in a Truth Social post, calling Telle a “Great Patriot” who is “respected by all.”
Driscoll confirmed on Aug. 31 that Sept. 2 would be his final day as secretary after 18 months in the role, but offered no explanation for his departure.
He said serving the Army was “the honor of a lifetime” and thanked soldiers, civilians and their families for their sacrifice.
Telle has served in the Army’s Office of Civil Works since August 2025, according to Legistorm.
He previously worked as chief of staff to Sen. Bill Hagerty (R‑Tenn.) from 2021 to 2025 and led the Senate team for the White House Office of Legislative Affairs from August 2019 to January 2021 during Trump’s first administration.
His résumé also includes ten years with the office of former Sen. Thad Cochran (R‑Miss.) and service on the Senate Appropriations Committee Homeland Security Subcommittee.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised Telle on X, calling him “strong and whip smart” and an “immediate asset” to the Army.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker lauded the pick as an “excellent choice,” describing Telle as a “fantastic partner” and noting the Army’s role in deterring the “Axis of the Aggressors.”
Driscoll’s Departure
Driscoll’s social media statement reiterated that Sept. 2 marked his last full day, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity to serve under President Trump.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Driscoll provided “outstanding leadership” and was “highly effective” in advancing the “Make America Strong Again” agenda, citing his role in Russia‑Ukraine negotiations and renewed focus on lethality and readiness.
The White House declined to give a reason for the resignation, stating only that it trusted Secretary Hegseth.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R‑N.C.) criticized Hegseth’s management, calling it “inept” and urging Trump to replace the secretary with a leader who will “retain and empower our military talent.”
Kelly added that the President “continues to trust Secretary Hegseth, who is doing an incredible job leading the Pentagon,” pointing to recent operations such as Midnight Hammer, Absolute Resolve, Southern Spear and Epic Fury.
