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. In response to a story from that was published on Friday, Hegseth wrote on X on Saturday that the Defense Department "has never had a better Deputy Secretary than Steve Feinberg," adding that "stories like these are COMPLETELY false.
Outside forces (i.e. companies he is pressing for results!) want Steve gone because he is so effective in advancing @POTUS’ agenda." "His leadership is HISTORIC," Hegseth concluded. Last month, the Pentagon pressed major U.S. defense contractors to accelerate weapons production, issuing strict deadlines to replenish critical military stockpiles depleted during the conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, Hegseth has overseen a sweeping reshaping of the Pentagon's senior leadership.
As of September 2, at least 20 generals, admirals and civilian defense leaders have been fired or departed since Hegseth became defense secretary. Among the most consequential moves have been the removal or departure of senior generals and other top military officials including Joint Chiefs chairman Charles Q. Brown Jr., Navy chief Lisa Franchetti, and Navy Secretary John Phelan.
Newsweek reached out to the White House and Pentagon by email Saturday for comment. The resignation of Driscoll, who served as Army secretary since February 2025, marks one of the most significant departures at the Pentagon since Hegseth took office. Multiple outlets including and The Wall Street Journal reported that Driscoll's decision followed months of tension with Hegseth.
Driscoll had emerged as a powerful figure within the administration, taking on an unusually prominent role in diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine and military modernization initiatives. He was also a longtime ally of Vice President JD Vance. In a statement announcing his departure, Driscoll thanked Trump and Hegseth for the opportunity to serve.
"Our Soldiers, Civilians, and their Families are our Nation's very best, and they have inspired me every day," he wrote Tuesday. "We could not have made the progress we did without the support of Secretary Hegseth. I am forever grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to once again serve my country." However, reports have linked the resignation to broader disagreements over Pentagon leadership and military personnel decisions.
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