The Trump administration has quietly begun reviewing candidates to replace Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. The review, which started in June, signals that further leadership changes may be forthcoming at a Pentagon already grappling with unusually high staff turnover.
White House officials have said the anonymous sources “have no idea what they are talking about,” and spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized President Trump’s appreciation for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Deputy Secretary Feinberg, and the entire Department of Defense. Kelly highlighted the department’s recent successes in Operations Epic Fury, Absolute Resolve, and Midnight Hammer, which target Iranian and Venezuelan threats.
Despite the White House’s statements, the Pentagon itself denied that a replacement process is under way. In a statement, Secretary Hegseth said Feinberg has his full support and “isn’t going anywhere.” The department declined to comment on Feinberg directly and did not make him available for interview.
Feinberg, a billionaire co‑founder of private‑equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, was appointed by President Trump last year. He has been tasked with reshaping the Pentagon’s industrial base, including expanding direct investments in defense contractors and launching the Office of Strategic Capital and a new Economic Defense Unit. In an August 18 memo to defense firms, Feinberg urged contractors to accelerate production and improve pricing transparency.
Analysts note that Feinberg has yet to meet his own goal of rapidly increasing U.S. munitions production, citing a sluggish congressional appropriations process that hampers the Pentagon’s ability to ramp up the industrial base. Some defense executives say the slow flow of funds has complicated his efforts.
Recent months have seen a string of senior departures at the Pentagon. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned after months of tension with Secretary Hegseth, and both Navy Secretary John Phelan and several senior Army leaders have also left their posts.
President Trump has voiced growing frustration with the six‑month‑old conflict with Iran, describing it as a costly standoff. Concerns have been raised about dwindling U.S. weapons stockpiles, but Trump dismissed those worries, claiming the United States possesses “far more munitions than anyone in the world.” In a recent exchange at Camp David, Hegseth reportedly blamed Feinberg for reductions in long‑range guided missiles and air‑defense interceptors, a claim the White House called “fake news.” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell refuted the allegation, stating that Secretary Hegseth did not mislead anyone about the munitions posture.
Congressional scrutiny
Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned whether Feinberg’s former firm Cerberus could benefit from Pentagon spending on the Golden Dome missile‑defense program. The Pentagon responded that Feinberg has fully divested from Cerberus and recused himself from any related discussions.
While no official decision has been announced regarding Feinberg’s future, the ongoing review underscores the Trump administration’s focus on ensuring strong, stable leadership at the nation’s highest defense office.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
