Pentagon's innovation unit chief resigns in latest shake-up, sources say

Source: Reuters

August 25, 2025 5:07 PM EDT Updated 11 hours ago


NEW YORK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - The head of a Pentagon unit responsible for accelerating the military's adoption of new technology resigned on Monday, according to four people familiar with the matter, the latest exit of a senior military official whose political views have clashed with those of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Doug Beck, director of the Silicon Valley-based Defense Innovation Unit, told staff in an email that he was stepping down, the people said. He did not provide a reason for his departure in the email, but wrote that working at the DIU was "basically the greatest honor of my life," according to a person with direct knowledge of the email.

He wrote that the DIU will be transitioned to new leadership overseen by Emil Michael, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. "I will help, however I can from my private capacity," added Beck, according to the source.

Three of the sources said officials at the Department of Defense had previously raised concerns about political donations made by Beck to Democrats. The DIU declined to comment. The Pentagon did not respond to a comment request. Reuters was unable to immediately reach Beck for comment.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagons-innovation-unit-chief-resigns-latest-shake-up-sources-say-2025-08-25/