Democrats warn of ‘hollowed out’ leadership after army chief resigns amid clashes with Hegseth
Sudden departure of Daniel Driscoll comes after Pentagon chief removed senior officers and blocked promotions, prompting warnings of a leadership crisis
TL;DR
- Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll resigned after 18 months on the job.
- Senator Jack Reed accused Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth of "hollowing out" the Army's senior ranks by firing and blocking promotions of dozens of senior officers.
- Reed stated Hegseth is cultivating a culture where dissent is punished and competence is secondary to personal allegiance.
- Driscoll reportedly spoke with President Trump about the Army's 'current state' and concerns regarding Hegseth's actions before resigning.
- Hegseth had previously forced out Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and other senior officers, impacting an army transformation initiative.
- Driscoll's exit is part of a series of senior departures under Hegseth, including Navy Secretary John Phelan and others.
- Democrats express grave concern over a perceived leadership vacuum in both civilian and uniformed offices at the Pentagon.