Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to replace Army Secretary Dan Driscoll with chief spokesperson Sean Parnell after Driscoll's resignation, leaving the Army without a senior leader.

Driscoll's resignation follows months of disputes with Hegseth over the removal of senior military officials and concerns about technology adoption initiatives. The Wall Street Journal reported the planned change on Monday.

Driscoll served 18 months; Hegseth has removed several top officials since taking office in January, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of naval operations, the Army vice chief of staff, and commanders of US forces in Europe and Africa, according to Military Times.

Hegseth also removed the only two female four‑star officers and delayed promotions for several female and Black Navy officers, citing an anti‑diversity stance, though the administration has not provided a detailed justification.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Driscoll had been effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to improve military readiness and lethality, and had assisted in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, though the accuracy of those claims is not independently verified.

Driscoll raised concerns with President Trump about the impact of the personnel changes, a discussion first reported by The Atlantic. Trump expressed surprise and concern, according to sources familiar with the talks.

Parnell, who has faced allegations of domestic abuse, is under consideration to succeed Driscoll, though no formal nomination has been announced.

Critics note that the personnel shifts appear aimed at installing loyalists who support Hegseth’s policy direction, particularly regarding diversity and technology adoption.

Statements from Hegseth and the White House have characterized the firings as reflecting the president’s desire for the right personnel to execute national‑security objectives, without providing specific evidence of operational necessity.