“If we had a Secretary of Defense who maintained the same priorities and forward-thinking, he would be fighting to retain talented leaders like Dan and the many flag officers he has forced into retirement. Instead, he is creating a leadership void at the top of our military ranks,”

Thom Tillis · said 2026-09-02 · reported 2026-09-02

Tillis implied that Driscoll's departure resulted from Hegseth's mismanagement, accusing him of creating a leadership void in the military.