Press Release For Immediate Release
Washington, DC – The Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll has issued a formal apology to Operation Rescue for mischaracterizing the pro-life organization as a terror group during a counterterrorism and security training presentation that was used to teach 9,100 Army soldiers at Fort Bragg.
“This characterization was not only inaccurate but also deeply inappropriate,” Driscol stated in a July 16, 2025, letter to the American Center for Law and Justice, which represents Operation Rescue and its President, Troy Newman.
“I am glad to accept the Army’s apology, but the harm this has caused Operation Rescue has been incalculable,” said Newman. “Being labeled a terrorist in these troubled times has carried with it a heavy burden on my staff and me.”
Secretary Driscoll admitted that the mischaracterization was a “grievous error” that caused harm to Operation Rescue and other pro-life groups that were mentioned in the training presentation.
“While I cannot undo the harm that this training caused, I want to offer my sincerest apology to Operation Rescue, National Right to Life, and all pro-life groups negatively impacted by the false characterization of all pro-life organizations made by this training. Please be assured that I am firmly committed to rigorous oversight of all Army training materials to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” Driscoll wrote.
Jordan Sekulow, executive director of ACLJ, responded to Secretary Driscoll’s letter.
“Thank you for standing up against the Leftist ideology that had been infecting our military branches and bogging down our warfighters, often cloaked in the bureaucratic morass. We know you have a lot of work to do, and that you took time to address this — not just in response to an oversight function of Congress, but directly to our client who was among those harmed — confirms your commitment to the values for which you fight,” said Sekulow.
Newman expressed gratitude for the apology and the Secretary’s promise to ensure the error is not repeated. However, he also noted that the damage to Operation Rescue’s reputation cannot so easily be undone.
“For years, Army trainers falsely told thousands of soldiers that Operation Rescue posed a terror threat to our country. The damage this has caused our nonviolent organization is something that cannot be undone with a simple apology, no matter how sincere,” said Newman. “Operation Rescue works tirelessly through all peaceful, legal means available to end the violent act of abortion, expose abortion abuses, and call for accountability to those who harm pregnant women and their babies. This work has saved countless lives and helped promote new laws that provide greater protection for the women and children for whom we advocate. Hopefully, this apology will help to finally clear our name.”
