President Donald Trump appointed Adam Telle as acting Secretary of the Army Thursday, replacing Dan Driscoll after his resignation following roughly 18 months in the position.

Trump announced the appointment in a statement, saying he was pleased to name Telle, whom he described as a “Great Patriot,” to serve as acting secretary effective immediately.

“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. He is a Great Patriot who is respected by all. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said.

Telle has served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works since 2025, overseeing policy and supervision of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program. He was confirmed by the Senate in August 2025.

His new assignment places him in charge of the Army as the service undergoes significant changes focused on military readiness, modernization and preparing for future conflicts. The Army is the largest branch of the U.S. military, with hundreds of thousands of active-duty soldiers as well as Reserve and National Guard forces.

Driscoll’s resignation was confirmed by the White House after he had served as Army secretary since February 2025. His departure comes amid reported tensions with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and follows other changes among the Pentagon’s senior leadership.

During his tenure, Driscoll played a role in the administration’s efforts to modernize the Army, including initiatives involving drones and emerging defense technologies. His departure has raised questions about continuity in Army leadership as the United States continues to address major national security challenges.

Telle will assume the acting secretary’s responsibilities immediately while the administration determines the Army’s permanent leadership.