U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Adam Telle acting secretary of the Army on Sept. 3, 2026. Telle, who previously served as the Army’s assistant secretary for civil works, will now take on the role of the service’s top civilian leader.
The appointment came shortly after former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stepped down, according to the Associated Press and other U.S. media reports. Telle’s appointment was reported to have taken effect immediately.
Who Is Adam Telle?
Telle was confirmed by the Senate in August 2025 and began serving as the Army’s assistant secretary for civil works. In that role, he oversaw water resources development, civil and environmental projects, and permitting related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
According to his official Army biography, Telle is from Mississippi and studied computer science and communications at Mississippi State University. He later worked on Capitol Hill and at the White House as a staff member for Republican lawmakers and the administration.
He served in the offices of the late Sen. Thad Cochran and Sen. Bill Hagerty. During Trump’s first administration, he handled legislative affairs at the White House. Telle’s official Army biography does not list any military service.
The Role and Significance of the Acting Army Secretary
The secretary of the Army is the service’s senior civilian leader, responsible for its budget, organization, personnel, equipment procurement and overall policy. An acting secretary leads the Army’s major administrative and policy decisions until a permanent secretary is appointed.
Telle was elevated to the acting post over Under Secretary of the Army Michael Obadal. The Washington Post reported that the under secretary typically assumes the role of acting secretary, but the Trump administration made a different choice this time.
The appointment is seen as an effort to quickly fill a leadership vacuum at the top of the Army while also reflecting the Trump administration’s approach to personnel decisions at the Defense Department. Because Telle is serving in an acting capacity, however, the administration is still likely to nominate a permanent Army secretary, followed by a Senate confirmation process.
Trump Administration’s Military Reorganization and Challenges Ahead
Drawing on his experience overseeing the Army Corps of Engineers and civilian infrastructure projects, Telle is expected to focus on administrative efficiency and the management of large-scale programs. He will also have to address military issues, including Army modernization, force restructuring and budget execution.
It remains unclear how the administration’s policy direction will take shape under Telle. Key questions include what personnel and budget priorities he will set during his tenure and how he will coordinate with senior Defense Department officials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What position was Adam Telle appointed to?
Adam Telle was appointed acting secretary of the Army on Sept. 3, 2026. He previously served as the Army’s assistant secretary for civil works.
What is Adam Telle’s professional background?
After graduating from Mississippi State University, Telle worked in the offices of Sen. Thad Cochran, the White House legislative affairs operation and Sen. Bill Hagerty.
What does the Army’s assistant secretary for civil works do?
The position oversees water resources development, civil and environmental projects, permitting and civilian infrastructure work related to the Army Corps of Engineers.
When was the appointment announced?
President Donald Trump announced Telle’s appointment as acting secretary of the Army on Sept. 3, 2026.
Was a permanent Army secretary appointed?
No. Telle is serving as acting secretary, filling the role until a permanent secretary is appointed.
