Dan Driscoll’s Resignation Fuels Speculation He Could Join J.D. Vance’s 2028 Campaign

Dan Driscoll has resigned as secretary of the Army following months of reported clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ending his tenure as the youngest person ever to hold the role.

The 38-year-old former Army officer and Iraq War veteran is now facing questions about what comes next — including whether another high-profile political role could be on the horizon.

Known as Donald Trump's "drone guy," Driscoll has been a vocal advocate for bringing more high-tech capabilities into the military, according to NPR.

As Army secretary, Driscoll ultimately reported to Hegseth, who oversees the Department of Defense. During Trump’s second term, Hegseth has overseen the removal of a number of senior military leaders, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, who was forced out in April. The Pentagon did not provide a detailed explanation for George’s removal, describing it only as a leadership change.

Driscoll was specifically questioned about Gen. George’s firing when he testified before Congress in April.

"There is no person that has more respect for Gen. George and his 42 years of service," Driscoll said during the hearing. "He was an amazing, transformational leader."

When Hegseth took office, the Army had 10 four-star generals on active duty. By early September, that number had fallen to five.

Driscoll held the Army’s top civilian post. As secretary of the Army, his responsibilities included overseeing personnel, resources, modernization and other aspects of the service’s operations. Although he exercised significant administrative authority over the Army, he was not part of the military’s operational chain of command.

Driscoll also had ties to Vice President J.D. Vance. The two attended Yale Law School and became friends, and Vance later emerged as an important supporter of Driscoll’s rise in the Trump administration.

Before entering government, Driscoll worked in the private sector, including in investment banking, private equity and venture capital. He also became a prominent advocate for rapidly expanding the Army’s use of drones and other emerging technologies.

Though Driscoll’s resignation followed reported clashes with Hegseth, some political observers have pointed to another possibility. Even before he stepped down, there had been widespread speculation that Driscoll could eventually leave the administration to work on a future campaign for Vice President Vance.

Driscoll’s departure is likely to fuel further speculation about Vance’s political future. The vice president is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, though he has not formally announced a campaign. Trump, meanwhile, cannot be elected to a third term under the 22nd Amendment.