Brief
Medal of Honor recipients lobby Trump for Army secretary
War heroes are publicly urging President Trump to choose a new Army secretary, with two backing comptroller Marc Andersen and two supporting Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In Washington, a group of five living Medal of Honor recipients have stepped into the political arena, urging President Donald Trump to appoint a new Secretary of the Army. The call comes amid a contentious race to replace Dan Driscoll, who has clashed with Army leadership.
Two recipients, Britt Slabinski and Leroy Arthur Petry, have publicly endorsed Marc Andersen, the Army’s comptroller and assistant secretary for financial management. Andersen, who has overseen the Army’s nearly $200 billion budget since October, is seen by the veterans as a non‑elitist leader who prioritises troops and families. Slabinski, who received his medal in 2018 for a rescue mission in Afghanistan, said, “[Trump] shouldn’t go with the easy button pick. He should pick the person that is going to build him an Army that is capable of dominating on any battlefield.” Petry, who saved comrades from a grenade in 2011, added that Andersen “has a total care and passion for service and the family and the troops.”
The other two recipients, who have not been named in the article, have backed Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s spokesman. Parnell is a former Army officer and has been a key voice on defence matters. The veterans’ support for Parnell echoes a recommendation from former Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who suggested that Trump consider either Parnell or Dane Hughes to replace Driscoll.
Hegseth’s advice follows a bitter power struggle between Driscoll and Hegseth, which has drawn attention to the Army’s leadership succession. The Pentagon’s internal dynamics have been described as a “knife fight,” with multiple contenders vying for the role.
Trump’s decision will come after the Senate’s recent rejection of a resolution to end the war in Iran, a move that underscored GOP support for his military policy. The Army secretary appointment is expected to shape the direction of U.S. ground forces amid ongoing conflicts.
Key facts
- Five living Medal of Honor recipients are lobbying President Trump for the Army secretary role (nypost.com)
- Britt Slabinski and Leroy Arthur Petry support Marc Andersen (nypost.com)
- The other two recipients support Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell (nypost.com)
- Former Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recommended Parnell or Dane Hughes (nypost.com)
- The race to replace Dan Driscoll has become a “knife fight” within the Pentagon (nypost.com)
Background
The Senate’s recent vote against a resolution to end the Iran war highlighted GOP backing for President Trump’s military stance, setting a broader context for the Army leadership debate.
Why it matters
The appointment will influence the Army’s strategic direction and operational readiness amid ongoing conflicts.
What happens next
President Trump is expected to announce his choice for Army secretary in the coming weeks.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Exclusive | Medal of Honor heroes take sides as Trump’s Army secretary decision becomes Pentagon ‘knife fight’”
