Search for New Army Secretary Begins After Dan Driscoll Resigns

The search for a new secretary of the Army is underway following the resignation of Dan Driscoll. Driscoll submitted his resignation to the White House, stating that Wednesday would be his last day serving in the role. He described his service as Army secretary under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as “the honor of a lifetime.”

The incoming Army secretary faces significant challenges, including overseeing a service undergoing major changes and addressing readiness amid ongoing tensions with Iran. New strategies, such as helicopter reductions and drone combat advancements, are redefining military operations.

During a private ceremony on March 22, 2026, Driscoll and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer awarded eight Meritorious Service Medals and two Purple Hearts to Old Dominion University Army ROTC cadets for their bravery during a classroom shooting on March 12.

Army Undersecretary Mike Obadal is a potential candidate to act as secretary following Driscoll’s departure. Obadal, a former special operations officer and defense executive, has become more visible through public engagements and conference appearances. The Trump administration has frequently appointed deputy officials to leadership roles after resignations or dismissals, as seen with then-Navy Under Secretary Hung Cao assuming the role of acting Navy secretary after John Phelan’s exit.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell is considered a strong contender for Army secretary. An insider indicated that many within the Office of the Secretary of War support Parnell’s candidacy, citing his military experience and public affairs expertise. A former Army captain, Parnell led his platoon in defeating over 350 enemy fighters during the Afghan War. He previously ran for the House in 2020 and campaigned for a Senate seat in 2021, endorsed by Trump, but suspended his campaign due to domestic abuse allegations which he denied.

Parnell is praised for his loyalty to the president and experience navigating military and government issues. A senior Pentagon official highlighted Parnell’s steadfastness during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he assisted attendees following an attempted attack on the president.

Florida Rep. Brian Mast is another possible candidate for Army secretary. Mast, chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, served in the Army for 12 years and received Trump’s endorsement.

Driscoll’s resignation follows disputes with Hegseth over Army transformations and readiness initiatives, as Hegseth actively pushes for significant institutional changes. Parnell supports Hegseth’s leadership, emphasizing departmental unity behind Hegseth’s vision.

Hegseth’s leadership has been scrutinized by some lawmakers. North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis criticized Hegseth for creating a leadership gap, while Democrat Jack Reed from Rhode Island highlighted Hegseth’s focus on personal allegiance over competence.

Previously, Navy Secretary John Phelan was removed amid disagreements with Hegseth on naval management.

The White House and Department of War did not provide comments on the resignation. Fox News Digital sought responses from Parnell, Mast, and other officials.