President Trump announced Thursday evening that Adam Telle, currently the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, will serve as acting Army secretary, effective immediately. The appointment comes just days after Dan Driscoll stepped down from the post, following months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Telle as “a Great Patriot, who is respected by all.” Hegseth echoed that sentiment on Thursday, writing that Telle is “strong and whip smart” and “an immediate asset” to the Army.
Telle’s background and role
Telle has spent much of his career on Capitol Hill, most recently as chief of staff to Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.). He also worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during Trump’s first term. In August, the Senate confirmed him for his current role overseeing civil works projects, including waterways, ports, and flood control infrastructure managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
His sudden elevation to the Army’s top civilian job places him at the center of a turbulent period for the service. Hegseth has in recent weeks ousted several senior military leaders, including Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and General Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Those moves underscore Hegseth’s determination to reshape the Army’s leadership and align it more closely with his priorities.
Driscoll’s resignation
Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President Vance, announced late Tuesday that his last full day in office would be Wednesday. He did not cite a reason for his departure, but his exit highlighted the internal tensions between the Pentagon and the Army’s civilian leadership.
In a statement, Driscoll said, “As a third-generation Army veteran, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Secretary of the Army under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. Our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families are our Nation’s very best and they have inspired me every day. I am sincerely thankful for their service and sacrifice.”
The shake-up comes as the administration continues to make sweeping changes across the defense establishment. Telle’s appointment is likely to be seen as an attempt to install a loyalist who will carry out Hegseth’s agenda without the friction that marked Driscoll’s tenure.
Observers note that Telle’s experience in legislative affairs could prove valuable as the Army navigates budget negotiations and congressional oversight. His quick confirmation vote last year—72-22—suggests he enjoys bipartisan support, though his new role does not require Senate approval.
As acting secretary, Telle will oversee the Army’s day-to-day operations, including personnel, readiness, and modernization efforts. He will also play a key role in implementing any policy shifts ordered by Hegseth, who has signaled a desire to streamline the service and focus on conventional deterrence.
The transition comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with ongoing deployments in Europe and the Middle East. The Army is also grappling with recruitment challenges and the need to modernize its forces amid rapid technological advances.
Political analysts will be watching to see whether Telle can stabilize the Army’s civilian leadership or whether further departures are on the horizon. For now, the president’s quick appointment signals an effort to project continuity, even as the Pentagon undergoes a broader realignment under Hegseth.
