President Donald Trump announced Thursday his decision to appoint Adam Telle, currently serving as the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, as the acting secretary of the Army. This leadership change comes after Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation earlier this week.
The announcement was made by President Trump on Truth Social. He stated, "I am pleased to announce that Adam Telle, the current Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, will become Acting Secretary of the Army, effective immediately." The President further praised Telle, describing him as "a Great Patriot, who is respected by all."
New Acting Secretary's Extensive Background
Telle, who received a presidential nomination and Senate confirmation in 2025, has been responsible for overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program. His portfolio in this role includes vital areas such as flood and storm protection initiatives, the management of commercial waterways, and the permitting processes under the Clean Water Act.
Adam Telle brings a wealth of experience from both the legislative and executive branches of government. Before his current appointment, he held the position of chief of staff for Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican representing Tennessee. During President Trump's first administration, Telle served as the chief liaison to the Senate, where he was instrumental in leading the White House Office of Legislative Affairs' Senate team.
His earlier career also includes significant time on Capitol Hill, where he worked on the Senate Appropriations Committee's subcommittee tasked with overseeing the budget for the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, Telle spent a decade in the office of former Senator Thad Cochran, a Republican from Mississippi. During this period, his roles evolved to include deputy chief of staff, legislative director, and the senator's primary national security advisor.
Telle's extensive tenure on Capitol Hill has fostered strong relationships with numerous senators, a factor that could be particularly beneficial for the administration. These connections may prove crucial in advancing the confirmation of Army nominees currently awaiting Senate approval, filling a key leadership vacancy at the helm of the nation's largest military branch.
Outgoing Secretary Dan Driscoll Reflects on Service
Outgoing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll indicated that Wednesday marked his "last full day" in the role. In a statement shared on X, Driscoll reflected on his tenure, calling his service under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth "the honor of a lifetime."
"I had the privilege of working with them to modernize and accelerate how the Army mans, trains, and equips the most lethal fighting force on the face of the earth," Driscoll stated. "We could not have made the progress we did without the support of Secretary Hegseth. I am forever grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to once again serve my country."