Archive · 5 Sep 2026
White House Reviews Potential Replacement for Pentagon Deputy Feinberg
Three people told Reuters that the White House looked at people who could possibly replace Steve Feinberg.
They said no decision had been made to remove him.
The review reportedly started in June and included asking senators whether possible nominees could win approval.
The White House and Pentagon said this replacement process was not happening.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Feinberg has his full support and is not leaving.
Feinberg has been trying to increase the production of weapons for the military.
Analysts say weapons production has not increased as quickly as planned, partly because factories cannot expand quickly.
There are also concerns that some weapons supplies have become smaller during the Iran war.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has questioned whether Feinberg’s former company could benefit from Pentagon spending, while the Pentagon says he has no conflict of interest.
Three sources said the White House reviewed possible replacements for Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, with no decision made to remove him.
The review reportedly began in June and included consultations with senior senators about confirmation prospects, continuing as late as August.
The White House and Pentagon denied that a replacement process was underway, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Feinberg “isn’t going anywhere.”
Feinberg’s possible departure would follow several senior Pentagon leadership changes, including the reported resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
The review comes amid concerns about weapons stockpiles, slow munitions production, and scrutiny of Feinberg’s former firm, Cerberus Capital Management.
- Who
- Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the White House, Pentagon officials, senior senators, and the three sources cited by Reuters.
- What
- The White House reportedly reviewed potential candidates to replace Feinberg, while officials denied that a replacement process was underway.
- When
- The reported review began in June and was still continuing as of late August; Reuters published the report on September 4.
- Where
- The reported discussions involved the White House, the Pentagon, and the United States Senate.
- Why
- The sources did not give a reason for the review. The report comes amid Pentagon leadership turnover, concerns about munitions production and stockpiles, and scrutiny of Feinberg’s former firm.
Sources’ Account
Administration’s Position
Whether a replacement review exists
Sources’ Account
Three people familiar with the discussions said the White House reviewed potential replacements, and one said the review continued into late August.
Administration’s Position
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the anonymous sources were inaccurate, and the Pentagon denied that a replacement process was underway.
Feinberg’s future
Sources’ Account
The reported review raised the possibility of another senior leadership change at a Pentagon experiencing substantial staff turnover.
Administration’s Position
Hegseth said Feinberg has his full support and “isn’t going anywhere.”
Responsibility for weapons-stockpile reductions
Sources’ Account
A Washington Post report cited by Reuters said Hegseth blamed Feinberg for shrinking stocks of long-range guided missiles and air-defense interceptors.
Administration’s Position
The White House called the report “fake news,” while Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth did not blame Feinberg.
Potential Cerberus conflict
Sources’ Account
Senator Elizabeth Warren raised concerns that Feinberg’s former firm, Cerberus, could benefit from Pentagon spending on the Golden Dome missile-defense program.
Administration’s Position
The Pentagon said Feinberg had completely divested from Cerberus and recused himself from related conversations and business relationships.
- Official involved
- Steve Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense
- Reported review
- The White House examined possible replacement candidates, according to three sources
- Reported timing
- The effort was underway in June and reportedly continued into late August
- Senate consultations
- Two sources said senior senators were consulted about whether possible nominees could be confirmed
- Official response
- The White House and Pentagon denied that a replacement process was underway
- Hegseth’s position
- Pete Hegseth said Feinberg has his full support and “isn’t going anywhere”
- Conflict-of-interest claim
- The Pentagon said Feinberg divested from Cerberus and recused himself from related executive-branch discussions
