A quiet directive from the Pentagon has sent ripples through the military establishment. Pete Hegseth, the nation’s defense chief, has ordered the removal of Colonel Dave Butler from his position as chief of Army Public Affairs and advisor to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a move occurring while Driscoll is engaged in delicate negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Butler’s career is marked by exceptional service, including a pivotal role as head of public affairs for the Joint Chiefs under General Mark Milley. He was poised for promotion to Brigadier General, appearing on the Army’s selection list for two consecutive years – a testament to his capabilities and dedication.
However, that promotion has been stalled for nearly four months, caught in a hold placed by Hegseth. Concerns reportedly center around a small group of officers selected by the Army board, though legal constraints prevent Hegseth from directly removing them from consideration.
In a remarkable display of selflessness, Butler reportedly offered to withdraw his own name from the promotion list, hoping to unblock the advancement of his fellow officers. This gesture underscores his commitment to the larger mission and the well-being of his colleagues.
Secretary Driscoll, a close ally of the Vice President and a fellow Yale Law School graduate, has resisted pressure to remove Butler for months, recognizing his ongoing value in the Army’s ongoing transformation. Driscoll publicly praised Butler’s “lifetime of service” and wished him success in his upcoming retirement after 28 years.
Butler’s expertise was recently utilized during critical negotiations in Ukraine, accompanying Secretary Driscoll in November to help initiate peace talks. This deployment highlights the trust placed in his judgment and communication skills during a sensitive international crisis.
The directive from Hegseth arrived abruptly on Thursday, adding to a growing pattern of unexplained personnel changes within the Pentagon. Since assuming his role in 2025, Hegseth has initiated a series of dismissals and forced retirements of high-ranking officers, often without stated cause.
Among those affected are Admiral Lisa Franchetti, former Chief of Naval Operations; General CQ Brown, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and several other key leaders across the Army, Air Force, and National Security Agency. These actions have fostered an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among senior military personnel.
Before his role in public affairs, Butler served with elite special operations units, including a period attached to the Army’s Delta Force from 2010 to 2014. His experience extends to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg, where he served as the public affairs officer from 2015 to 2018.
He later served as the chief spokesman and director of communications for all U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan while General Scott Miller commanded the coalition. His ability to navigate complex communication challenges in a high-stakes environment was repeatedly lauded.
A former four-star commander who led U.S. Special Operations described Butler as “the consummate professional,” praising his competence and strategic communication skills. This assessment speaks to the high regard in which Butler is held by those who have served alongside him.
Even President Trump publicly acknowledged Butler’s contributions during the Army’s 250th birthday celebrations in 2025, specifically recognizing his role in organizing the parade in Washington, D.C. This recognition underscores the breadth and impact of Butler’s service throughout his distinguished career.
