Overview
- Politico reports that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll led talks in Ukraine while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remained in Washington.
- Driscoll met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and was described as a rising figure within the administration, with President Trump referring to him as his “drone guy.”
- Unnamed officials quoted in the reporting say confidence in Hegseth has waned, with greater reliance placed on Driscoll for sensitive outreach.
- A White House official said Driscoll’s relationship with JD Vance aided his path to the post, while crediting his performance for his prominence.
- Hegseth’s selection of Ricky Buria as chief of staff reportedly angered Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, fueling questions about his judgment and prompting speculation about his tenure.