President Donald Trump moved Thursday quickly to fill a leadership vacancy at the Pentagon, naming Adam Telle as acting secretary of the Army following Dan Driscoll’s resignation.
Telle, who had been serving as assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, will assume his new role “effective immediately,” Trump announced in a Truth Social post.
“Adam is currently serving as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and previously served as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty,” Trump wrote. “He is a Great Patriot, who is respected by all.”
The appointment places Telle in charge of the Army’s civilian leadership while the Trump administration considers a permanent successor to Driscoll.
Hegseth Welcomes Trump’s Pick
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quickly celebrated the announcement, describing Telle as well prepared for the new assignment.
“Huge congrats to Adam. Strong and whip smart,” Hegseth wrote on X. “He is indeed a great Patriot — and will be an immediate asset to the @USArmy.”
Telle already had significant responsibilities inside the Army before receiving the acting appointment.
According to his official Army biography, he supervised the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program, including commercial navigation, flood and storm damage reduction and permitting under the Clean Water Act.
Trump nominated Telle for that position, and the Senate confirmed him in August 2025 by a bipartisan 72-22 vote. He was sworn in the following day as the 14th assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
A Familiar Trump Administration Figure
Before entering the Pentagon, Telle served as chief of staff to Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn.
During Trump’s first term, he led the Senate team in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs and served as the president’s chief liaison to the chamber. The Army credits him with helping advance several national security initiatives, including the Abraham Accords and authorization of the U.S. Space Force.
Telle also spent a decade working for the late Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., holding roles that included deputy chief of staff, legislative director and senior national security adviser.
The Alabama native earned degrees in computer science and communication from Mississippi State University, where he was elected student body president.
Driscoll Leaves Without Public Explanation
Trump’s announcement followed Driscoll’s departure after approximately 18 months leading the Army.
Driscoll publicly confirmed his exit this week but did not disclose why he was leaving. The Hill reported that his resignation followed months of internal disagreements with Hegseth over Army leadership and policy.
“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 said in a statement announcing his final full day.
“Our Soldiers, Civilians and their Families are our Nation’s very best and they have inspired me every day,” he continued. “I am sincerely thankful for their service and sacrifice.”
The White House has not yet announced whom Trump intends to nominate as the next permanent Army secretary. For now, Telle will take control of the service’s civilian leadership as the administration manages the transition.
