President Donald Trump announced Adam Telle as the acting Army secretary following former secretary Dan Driscoll’s departure.
“I am pleased to announce that Adam Telle, the current Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, will become Acting Secretary of the Army, effective immediately,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He is a great Patriot, who is respected by all.”
Telle's Background
According to the interim secretary’s biography, Telle served as President Trump’s chief liaison to the Senate during his first term. Telle has also played a pivotal role in the White House’s National Security arm, taking part in the Abraham Accords and the authorization of the U.S. Space Force.
During his time as Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, Telle oversaw matters regarding commercial navigation, flood damage reduction, and permitting under the Clean Water Act.
Hegseth Celebrates Telle's Appointment
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth celebrated the announcement, praising Telle for his strengths.
“Huge congrats to Adam. Strong and whip-smart. He is indeed a great Patriot — and will be an immediate asset to the [U.S. Army],” Hegseth wrote on X.
Driscoll's Resignation
Telle’s appointment comes less than a week after Driscoll’s resignation.
Despite not offering a reason for leaving his post, some reports indicated it possibly resulted from increased tensions between him and Secretary Hegseth.
Series of Firings and Departures in the Pentafon
Driscoll’s resignation comes amid a series of firings and departures within the Pentagon.
Secretary Hegseth has reportedly fired more than two dozen senior military officers since taking the role.
The Army’s vice chief of staff, Gen. James Mingus, retired without explanation in October 2025.
Commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Gen. Chris Donahue, also retired in June 2026.
Additionally, Secretary Hegseth fired the U.S. Army’s Chief of Staff, Gen. Randy George, and former Secretary Driscoll’s adviser, Col. David Butler.
