Hegseth’s choice for US Army secretary faces Senate resistance — The Hill
In the United States, Sean Parnell, whom Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering as his choice for Army secretary, has faced opposition from Democrats and a restrained reaction from some Republican senators. Parnell is Hegseth’s senior adviser and the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, The Hill reports.
The position of permanent US Army secretary became vacant after the resignation of Dan Driscoll, who left the post following several months of internal conflicts with Hegseth. Four days later, Adam Telle, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, was appointed acting Army secretary.
Senators’ concerns
According to a congressional aide and former staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Parnell currently does not have enough support to pass through the committee if President Donald Trump formally nominates him. The committee’s senior member, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, said he doubts Parnell could be confirmed.
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer also said it is difficult for him to imagine Parnell being confirmed, particularly because of allegations of violence made by the politician’s estranged wife. Parnell denied these allegations. In 2021, he withdrew from the race for a Pennsylvania Senate seat after losing a court dispute over child custody in which these accusations were raised. In 2024, Parnell wrote that his reputation had been restored and that he has joint custody of all five children.
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Other contenders and the acting head
In addition to Parnell, the White House is considering Mark Andersen, the assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller, and Derek Anderson, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict. Sources in and around the Pentagon consider Andersen a possible dark-horse contender for the post.
Parnell has received public backing from Republican Senators Dave McCormick and Tim Sheehy. At the same time, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said he had not counted votes on Parnell’s confirmation prospects and did not want to comment before an official nomination.
Telle, who worked on Capitol Hill for Senate Republicans, maintains contacts with lawmakers from both parties. According to the publication’s sources, committee members positively assessed his work as acting secretary, though he understands the temporary nature of his appointment.
