Trump announces Telle as acting Army secretary following Driscoll’s resignation

President Trump announced Thursday evening that Adam Telle, the current assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, will be the acting Army secretary following this week’s resignation of Dan Driscoll.

“He is a Great Patriot, who is respected by all,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post announcing Telle’s appointment.

As assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Telle oversaw public works functions and civil engineering, carrying out the Trump administration’s priorities when it comes to waterways, ports and flood control infrastructure overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Telle is assuming the acting Army secretary role “effective immediately,” Trump said.

Trump’s announcement comes a day after Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President Vance, left the position after months of internal clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Driscoll’s departure highlighted Hegseth’s ambition to impose his will on the Army. The Pentagon chief has recently removed a number of its senior military officers — including Gen. Randy George, the Army’s chief of staff, along with Gen. Chris Donahue, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Driscoll broke silence about his departure late Tuesday, saying his last full day as secretary would be on Wednesday. He did not share the reason for his departure.

“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. Tomorrow is my last full day in the role,” Driscoll said in a statement. “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.”

Telle has spent his career on Capitol Hill working for Senate Republicans.

Before being nominated for the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works post, Telle worked as Sen. Bill Hagerty’s (R-Tenn.) chief of staff.

The acting Army secretary appointee also worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during Trump’s first term. He was confirmed by the Senate for his Civil Works position last year in a 72-22 vote.

“Huge congrats to Adam. Strong and whip smart,” Hegseth wrote on social media Thursday. “He is indeed a great Patriot — and will be an immediate asset to the @USArmy.”

This story was updated at 7:20 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026.