Friday, September 4, 2026

Trump Nominates Successor to Army Secretary Who Resigned After Clash with Defense Secretary

Input
2026-09-04 16:40:47
Updated
2026-09-04 16:40:47
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at an event with Republican lawmakers in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on the 2nd. AP Newsis

[Financial News] U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Adam Telle, a senior civilian official at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to succeed former Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, who resigned, The Associated Press (AP) reported on the 3rd (local time).
Telle, the nominee, currently serves as an adviser overseeing the Civil Works Directorate at the Corps of Engineers. He worked for more than 20 years as an aide to Republican senators and served as the White House liaison to the Senate during President Trump’s first term.
On Truth Social, President Trump described him as "a great patriot who is respected by everyone."
AP explained that Telle has worked at the Army’s Civil Works Directorate since August last year. His recent responsibilities included flood-control projects, dredging commercial ports and waterways, and permitting under the Clean Water Act.
It added, "Telle is set to oversee the United States’ largest combat force, the U.S. Army, at a time when the United States remains in conflict with Iran and has significant forces stationed in the Middle East," indirectly pointing to his lack of expertise in military and security affairs.
His predecessor, Dan Driscoll, resigned late last month after clashing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Driscoll, a longtime friend of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, clashed with Hegseth after proposing that President Trump organize a visit early in the administration to meet with troops and discuss Army reforms.
He had also pursued a plan to introduce new technologies into the military while working closely with Chief of Staff of the Army Randy George. However, in April this year, Secretary Hegseth dismissed George without explanation, despite criticism from Republicans.
At a congressional hearing on George’s abrupt dismissal, Driscoll indirectly expressed his displeasure, saying, "I have deep respect for General George."  


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