Retired four-star general, former U.S. secretary of defense (2021–2025)
Dan Driscoll has resigned as US secretary of the Army after 18 months in the post, following reported months of clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Driscoll had raised concerns about Army transformation and readiness and opposed Hegseth's firings of senior officers. His exit leaves the Army short of permanent civilian and uniformed leadership during an ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Red Sea conflict has intensified as Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi air power, press to retake Sanaa and secure Bab al-Mandeb. The Houthis have escalated missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, while the U.S. supports allies with intelligence and targeting data but is not yet engaging in kinetic strikes.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants have appeals rejected as the government maintains a June 2028 military trial date at Guantánamo. Plea deals that would have spared the death penalty have been voided by the Defense Secretary, keeping a capital outcome on the table.