A sudden and unexpected shift has occurred within the Army’s leadership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly ordered Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to relieve Colonel Dave Butler of his duties as Chief of Army Public Affairs and senior advisor.
The directive came as Driscoll was engaged in delicate negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, working to find a path toward ending the conflict in Ukraine. The timing of the order, delivered last week at the Pentagon, adds another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation.
Colonel Butler’s background is deeply intertwined with that of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley. He served as Milley’s chief spokesperson during a period marked by significant political tension and controversy.
Butler was on track for a significant advancement in his career, appearing on the Army’s promotion list for two consecutive years as one of 34 officers selected for the rank of General. However, that trajectory has been abruptly halted by Hegseth’s intervention.
For nearly four months, the list of eligible officers has been held up, effectively freezing the promotions of numerous individuals. Butler, recognizing the impact on his colleagues, reportedly offered to withdraw his name from consideration in an attempt to break the impasse.
An Army spokesperson confirmed Butler’s departure, stating he is “transitioning” into retirement after 28 years of service. The statement acknowledged his contributions to the Army’s transformation, but offered no explanation for the sudden change in leadership.
Butler’s previous role supporting General Milley appears to be central to the decision. Milley himself became a figure of intense scrutiny, particularly for comments made regarding domestic issues and private communications with Chinese officials.
Recent reports indicate that Butler had also become a key advisor to Army Secretary Driscoll, a close associate of Vice President J.D. Vance. Driscoll’s rising prominence within the administration coincided with a series of challenges faced by Hegseth.
Sources reveal that Hegseth first raised concerns about Butler’s position several months ago, and reiterated the demand last week. Driscoll initially resisted the order, but ultimately yielded to the pressure from the Defense Secretary.
The situation underscores a growing tension within the Department of Defense, raising questions about the motivations behind the personnel changes and the potential impact on the Army’s operations and morale.
