Trump Names Adam Telle Acting Army Secretary on Truth Social, Days After Driscoll Quit

Trump said in a social media post on September 3 that he was appointing Adam Telle, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, as acting Army secretary. The appointment followed the resignation of Dan Driscoll, who had led the Army since February 2025 and submitted his resignation on August 31 amid reported discord with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Telle was sworn in as assistant secretary for civil works in August 2025, previously served as chief of staff to Senator Bill Hagerty, and led the Senate team in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during Trump's first term. Hegseth called him strong and whip smart and an immediate asset to the Army.

Filling a Senate-confirmed service secretary post by social media post, in an acting capacity, continues a pattern of leadership turnover at the top of the Pentagon.

Reporting indicates the appointment passed over Under Secretary Michael Obadal, who would traditionally have stepped up. The Hill reported on September 5 that competing candidates remain under consideration for the permanent post.