Questions about the stability of Pentagon leadership intensified this week following the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and reports that the White House has reviewed potential replacements for Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed back against reports that Feinberg's position may be in jeopardy, calling them 'COMPLETELY false' and praising his deputy's role in advancing President Donald Trump's agenda. Hegseth wrote on X that the Defense Department 'has never had a better Deputy Secretary than Steve Feinberg,' adding that 'stories like these are COMPLETELY false.' He also criticized outside forces pressuring Feinberg to step down for being effective in advancing Trump's agenda. Hegseth's leadership has been criticized for reshaping the Pentagon's senior leadership, with at least 20 generals, admirals, and civilian leaders fired or departing since he took office. Among those affected were Joint Chiefs chairman Charles Q. Brown Jr., Navy chief Lisa Franchetti, and Navy Secretary John Phelan.
Last month, the Pentagon pressured major U.S. defense contractors to accelerate weapons production, setting strict deadlines to replenish depleted stockpiles. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg demanded faster program schedules and expanded production capacity in a memo obtained by The Washington Post.
Driscoll's resignation marks a significant departure at the Pentagon since Hegseth took office. He served as Army Secretary since February 2025 and was a key figure in diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine and military modernization. His departure followed months of tension with Hegseth. Driscoll thanked President Trump and Hegseth for his service but cited disagreements over Pentagon leadership and military personnel decisions.
Hegseth faces growing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Senator Thom Tillis urged Trump to find a new Pentagon chief, criticizing Hegseth for creating a leadership void and focusing on culture-war issues. Representative Don Bacon and Mike Rogers also expressed concerns about Hegseth's leadership. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Adelita Grijalva and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, have called for Hegseth's impeachment. A formal impeachment effort was introduced in the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year.
The Pentagon turmoil reflects broader debates over military leadership, stability, and the effectiveness of current senior officials.
Source: Newsweek
