Trump picks Adam Telle as acting secretary of the Army

By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times - Friday, September 4, 2026

President Trump this week nominated Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle for the service’s top civilian job following the abrupt resignation this week of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

The appointment was a surprise. Mr. Trump skipped Under Secretary of the Army Mike Obadal, who would typically step into the top spot on an acting basis.

“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,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social. “He is a great patriot who is respected by all.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed the president’s sentiment, calling Mr. Telle “strong and whip-smart” on X.

“He is indeed a great patriot and will be an immediate asset to the U.S. Army,” Mr. Hegseth wrote.

During Mr. Telle’s Senate confirmation last year to his current role, Sen. Bill Hagerty called him “a true patriot” who has served in the U.S. government “with great distinction” for the last 20 years.

“I have seen Adam bring people together to solve problems, mentor and grow staff, and provide thoughtful and effective strategic direction on some of the toughest problems facing our nation,” said Mr. Hagerty, Tennessee Republican. “Adam is just the leader that our nation needs in the Pentagon.”

Previously, Mr. Telle was a longtime staffer for Senate Republicans. He also worked in the White House as the Trump administration’s liaison to the Senate.

Mr. Driscoll resigned as Army secretary following months of behind-the-scenes friction with the defense secretary. It was the latest in a series of high-level military departures that included Gen. Randy George, former Army Chief of Staff, Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to become the Chief of Naval Operations.

As the assistant secretary, Mr. Telle had principal authority over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ civil works program. His responsibilities include commercial navigation, flood and storm damage reduction, and permitting activities under the Clean Water Act.