US President Donald Trump has appointed Adam Telle as the acting Secretary of the Army.
Telle previously served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Trump announced the appointment on September 3 and made it effective immediately.
Trump praised Telle on Truth Social and described him as a respected patriot. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also welcomed the appointment.
Telle Replaces Dan Driscoll
Telle takes over after Dan Driscoll left the Army’s top civilian post.
Driscoll submitted his resignation earlier this week. He served as Army secretary since February 2025. His departure came after months of reported tensions with Hegseth.
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Driscoll did not publicly give a specific reason for his resignation. However, reports said he had raised concerns about Hegseth’s approach to Army leadership and senior officer changes.
Telle Has Government and Congressional Experience
Telle joined the Army’s Office of Civil Works in 2025. Before that, he spent more than two decades working with Republican lawmakers.
He also worked in the White House during Trump’s first term. In addition, Telle served as chief of staff to Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee.
Telle has not listed prior military service in his official Army biography.
Leadership Change Comes During Regional Conflict
Telle takes charge of the Army during a major period of military activity.
The United States remains involved in the conflict with Iran. At the same time, significant US Army forces are deployed in the Middle East.
The Army also faces shortages of key missile defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The ongoing conflict has added pressure on US military resources.
Driscoll’s Departure Raises Questions
Driscoll’s resignation has added to concerns about leadership stability at the Pentagon.
His departure follows other major changes among senior US military leaders. Reports have also highlighted disagreements over Army modernization, promotions and the future structure of the force.
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Meanwhile, Telle will now oversee the largest branch of the US military as acting Army secretary. His appointment comes as the Trump administration continues to reshape the Pentagon’s leadership.
