The search is underway for a new Secretary of the Army after Dan Driscoll’s resignation was submitted to the White House, leaving a leadership vacancy at the head of the nation’s largest military branch. Driscoll announced Wednesday that it would be his “last full day” as Army Secretary, remarking that serving under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had been “the honor of a lifetime.” The next Army Secretary faces a service in major transformation with readiness issues as conflict with Iran persists.
Army Undersecretary Mike Obadal could assume the role of acting Secretary once Driscoll’s departure is finalized. Obadal, a former special operations officer and defense industry executive, has taken on a prominent public role, including participating in conferences. In the Trump administration, deputies have often filled top positions following resignations, with then-Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao becoming acting Navy Secretary after John Phelan’s departure.
Potential candidates include Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman and adviser to Hegseth, according to sources. “A lot of people inside [Office of the Secretary of War] want to see Sean Parnell become the next Secretary of the Army because they’ve worked alongside him and know what he brings to the table,” a senior administration official told Fox News Digital. Parnell was a former United States Army captain whose platoon eliminated over 350 enemy fighters during the Afghan War.
Parnell ran for the House in 2020 but was unsuccessful. He started campaigning for Pennsylvania’s Senate seat in 2021 and received Trump’s endorsement. Later, he suspended his campaign due to domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife, Laurie Snell, which he denied. A senior Pentagon official indicated Parnell’s deep understanding of the Pentagon due to his military experience and work at high institutional levels.
The official noted Parnell’s ability to work with General LeNeve, the acting Army chief of staff, has been critical in overcoming challenges and supporting staff in leadership and readiness. Parnell’s loyalty to the President has been consistent, highlighted by his presence at Trump’s rally where he was shot. Parnell remained to assist others at the rally following Trump’s removal and returned with him to Butler months after the incident.
Florida Rep. Brian Mast is also a potential candidate. Mast, serving as the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has Trump’s endorsement and served 12 years in the Army. Driscoll’s resignation followed reported conflicts with Hegseth over the Army’s transformation and readiness, accusing Hegseth of hindering progress.
Parnell stood by Hegseth’s leadership, affirming departmental unity behind his goals. “Secretary Hegseth has been a transformative leader for the Department of War and, at President Trump’s direction, has ushered in a new era of Peace Through Strength. Standards and merit are back, our arsenal is stronger than ever before, and morale and recruitment across every service are at all-time highs,” he stated. “The entire Department is unified behind the Secretary’s vision and will continue working to put our warfighters and America first,” he added.
Democrats and some Republicans criticized Trump and Hegseth on changes within the Department of War. North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis noted Hegseth’s “leadership void” accusation, while Senate Armed Services Committee Democrat Jack Reed claimed Hegseth’s focus was more on personal allegiance than competence.
Navy Secretary John Phelan’s forced resignation in April stemmed from management disagreements with Hegseth. The White House directed inquiries to the Department of War, with Fox News Digital reaching out to Parnell, Mast, the Army, and Department of War for comment.
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