President Trump has appointed Adam Telle as the acting Army secretary. The decision follows Dan Driscoll’s resignation earlier this week. Telle previously served as the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works.
Telle has an extensive background, with over 20 years working for Republican senators. During Trump’s first term, he was the president’s chief liaison to the Senate. According to an Army biography, he has been noted as a respected figure.
Telle is a Great Patriot, who is respected by all,” wrote President Trump on Truth Social.
Pete Hegseth also shared praise for Telle on X, stating, “Huge congrats to Adam. Strong and whip smart. He will be an immediate asset to the @USArmy.”
Driscoll resigned due to ongoing friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The resignation signifies another high-level military departure under Hegseth’s tenure. Driscoll, an Army veteran and close associate of Vice President JD Vance, had plans to revamp Army operations.
Driscoll shared concerns about Hegseth’s influence on the dismissal of generals tasked with implementing the Army’s transformation plans. In April, Hegseth requested the resignation of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, a decision that led to further leadership changes. Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, retired soon after.
Alongside George, Driscoll developed the “Army Transformation Initiative” last year. The plan aimed at integrating drones and advanced technology, alongside optimizing force structure and removing obsolete equipment. They also supported a new Army drone battalion focused on insights from Ukraine’s drone warfare.
Tensions have also surfaced with acting Army Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve over plans to phase out the drone unit. Now, Telle will lead the U.S. Army amid ongoing conflict with Iran, with forces stationed in the Middle East.
This conflict has led to a shortage of critical weapons such as the Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors. Both Democrats and Republicans have voiced concerns over Driscoll’s departure, with some pointing fingers at Hegseth.
Sen. Thom Tillis commented on social media, criticizing Hegseth for allegedly creating a “leadership void at the top of our military ranks.”