Overview
- Driscoll met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, and the U.S. charge d’affaires said the parties discussed an aggressive timeline for diplomacy.
- A defense official said Driscoll will meet NATO allies and seek a sit-down with Russian defense minister Andrey Belousov to advance peace efforts.
- Politico reports a contrast in roles, with insiders saying Hegseth is less trusted to deliver sensitive messages as Driscoll assumes higher-profile duties.
- The White House publicly rejected claims of tension and praised Hegseth’s leadership while also endorsing Driscoll’s abilities.
- Driscoll, a close friend of Vice President JD Vance whom Trump calls his “drone guy,” has broadened responsibilities as Hegseth faces quiet criticism over his pick of Ricky Buria as chief of staff, according to reporting.