Telle takes over as acting Army secretary after Dan Driscoll’s resignation amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
WASHINGTON, US — President Donald Trump has appointed Adam Telle as the acting Secretary of the US Army, following the resignation of Dan Driscoll from the top civilian leadership post.
Trump announced the appointment on September 3, saying Telle, who previously served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, would assume the acting position immediately.
The leadership change comes as the Pentagon faces a period of significant senior-level turnover and reported disagreements over the direction of the US military.
Who Is Adam Telle?
Telle has served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works since August 2025, after being nominated by Trump and confirmed by the US Senate.
According to his official Army biography, he oversees policy and supervision of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works programme, including areas such as navigation, flood and storm-damage reduction and regulatory permitting.
Before joining the Army leadership, Telle served as chief of staff to Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee.
He also previously worked in Trump’s first administration as the president’s chief liaison to the Senate within the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. His earlier career included more than a decade working for former Senator Thad Cochran.
Telle holds degrees in computer science and communication from Mississippi State University.
Trump Praises Telle
Trump announced the appointment through his social media platform, describing Telle as a “Great Patriot” respected by others.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also welcomed the appointment, calling Telle a strong addition to the Army.
Telle’s appointment places him in charge of the Army’s civilian leadership at a particularly sensitive time for the US military.
Driscoll Leaves Army Leadership
Telle replaces Dan Driscoll, who resigned after serving as Army secretary since February 2025.
Driscoll did not publicly give a specific reason for his resignation. However, Reuters and other major news organisations have reported months of tension between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Driscoll’s departure came after disagreements surrounding military leadership and the future direction of the Army.
Reuters reported that Driscoll had been advocating Army modernization, including more agile acquisition of lower-cost weapons and changes aimed at adapting the service to emerging warfare requirements.
Wider Pentagon Leadership Shakeup
The appointment also comes against the backdrop of broader changes among senior US military leaders.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George was removed from his position earlier this year, according to Reuters reporting. Gen. Christopher LaNeve subsequently took over as acting Army chief.
The departures and leadership changes have prompted concerns among some lawmakers about stability within the Pentagon.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis has publicly criticised Hegseth’s management of the department following the latest departures.
Army Faces Major Security Challenges
Telle takes over while the US military remains heavily engaged in the Middle East.
The Army has a significant role in supporting regional operations, including air and missile defence systems. AP and CBS reporting noted that the ongoing conflict has put additional pressure on critical Army capabilities and weapons stocks.
The new acting secretary will therefore inherit responsibilities extending beyond administrative leadership, including oversight of the Army during an active period of military operations and institutional change.
