Daniel P. Driscoll: From Trump's "Drone Guy" to Leading US-Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations

Ukraine's President Zelensky welcomes US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll during their diplomatic meeting.

Daniel P Driscoll, at just 38 years old the youngest person ever appointed as US Army Secretary and formerly referred to as Trump's "drone guy," has emerged as America's principal negotiator in the diplomatic efforts between Kyiv and Moscow.

During his visit to Kyiv, Driscoll presented President Volodymyr Zelensky with a draft peace plan backed by the United States. The proposal outlined various stages toward achieving a ceasefire and initiating more comprehensive discussions with Moscow. According to the BBC, the next step in this ongoing peace process involves Driscoll meeting with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi.

Driscoll originates from Boone, North Carolina. He completed his law degree at Yale University and gained valuable experience through internships at the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, with Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, and at prestigious law firms including Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson.

His military service in the US Army spanned from 2007 to 2011, including deployment to Iraq in 2009. During his time in service, Driscoll earned the esteemed Ranger tab at US Army Ranger School and was awarded the Combat Action Badge for his contributions.

Driscoll attempted to enter politics in 2020, running for the Republican nomination in North Carolina's 11th congressional district, though unsuccessfully.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Driscoll in December 2024, and on February 25, he was confirmed as Secretary of the Army by the US Senate with a vote of 66-28, making history as the youngest individual to hold this significant position.

Shortly after beginning his role, Driscoll took on additional responsibilities as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, following Kash Patel's departure.

In May, he announced the cancellation of the M10 Booker military vehicle project. The nickname "drone guy" stems from his strong advocacy for drone technology and other emerging battlefield innovations in military applications.

In his personal life, Driscoll is married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Cassie Driscoll, who works as a plastic surgeon. The couple has two children named Daniel Jr and Lila.