US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll have a "pre-existing conflict" and have recently clashed over several issues, unnamed US officials familiar with the situation told the Washington Post on 7/4.

The tension reportedly began in early 2025, when Driscoll was mentioned in President Donald Trump's administration as a "potential candidate to replace Hegseth". At that time, the US Secretary of Defense was working to establish his position amidst a series of controversies during his first year in office.

However, President Trump continued to support the US Secretary of Defense. The US leader recently reiterated that Hegseth was "born for this role".

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll at the White House in 8/2025. *Photo: AFP*

The US Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army recently continued to clash over several issues, including Hegseth's refusal to approve promotions for numerous army generals. This has led many to question how much longer the two leaders can work together, according to unnamed officials.

Responding to the information, Driscoll stated he has "no plans to leave or resign as US Secretary of the Army". He affirmed that serving in President Trump's administration is the "greatest honor of his life", adding that he remains focused on ensuring the US has "the strongest army the world has ever seen".

Parnell Sean, Hegseth's spokesperson, also denied reports of conflict, stating that the US Secretary of Defense "maintains good working relationships with the leaders of all military branches, including Secretary of the Army Driscoll".

The White House also appears to support Driscoll, commending the role of the US Army in the recent conflict with Iran.

"The extraordinary talent of the US Army was evident as our warriors met, and even exceeded, standards during Operation Horrific Fury. Iran's military capabilities have increasingly diminished", White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said.

This information emerged after US Army Chief of Staff Randy George, along with two senior generals, William Green Jr. and David Hodne, were relieved of duty. Spokesperson Parnell reportedly told colleagues he was "interested" in Secretary Driscoll's position if it became vacant.

By Ngoc Anh (Washington Post, AP)