Outgoing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll made his first public statement late Tuesday about submitting his resignation after 18 months on the job.
Despite reported tensions with War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Driscoll said, “We could not have made the progress we did without the support of Secretary Hegseth.”
“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,” Driscoll wrote from the Secretary of the Army X account. “Tomorrow is my last full day in the role.”
“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,” he continued.
“I had the privilege of working with them to modernize and accelerate how the Army mans, trains, and equips the most lethal fighting force on the face of the earth. We could not have made the progress we did without the support of Secretary Hegseth,” Driscoll wrote. “I am forever grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to once again serve my country.”
His resignation comes more than six months into the Iran war and was announced at a time of resumed fighting in the conflict.
The White House said Monday that Driscoll “has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more.”
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly added in a statement to The Associated Press, “The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.”
A source familiar with the matter told Fox News that Driscoll had raised concerns with the administration about the Army’s transformation and readiness, including his belief that Hegseth had hindered those efforts.
Tensions reportedly intensified as Hegseth removed several senior Army leaders, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.
Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President JD Vance, attended Yale Law School with Vance after both served in the military. As Army secretary, Driscoll has worked with Silicon Valley companies to expand the Army’s drone capabilities.
Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton, Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin and Liz Friden and The Associated Press contributed to this post.