War Secretary Pete Hegseth forcefully rejected a Reuters report claiming the White House had been reviewing potential replacements for Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg, asserting on Saturday that his second-in-command "isn’t going anywhere." The denial came swiftly after Reuters published its report on Friday, citing multiple individuals familiar with the matter who indicated that discussions regarding Feinberg's position had commenced in June and included consultations with senior senators about potential confirmation challenges for new candidates.
"The @DeptofWar has never had a better Deputy Secretary than Steve Feinberg. Stories like these are COMPLETELY false. Outside forces (i.e. companies he is pressing for results!) want Steve gone because he is so effective in advancing @POTUS’ agenda. His leadership is HISTORIC." Pete Hegseth, War Secretary
The report, which stated no final decision had been made to remove Feinberg, immediately prompted strong denials from both Hegseth and the White House. Sources cited in the original Reuters piece did not specify the reasons for considering replacements or the individuals under review, noting only that the review remained active as recently as late August.
In a public statement and a post on social media, War Secretary Hegseth issued an emphatic defense of Deputy Secretary Feinberg. "The @DeptofWar has never had a better Deputy Secretary than Steve Feinberg," Hegseth wrote. "Stories like these are COMPLETELY false." He further alleged that "outside forces," specifically "companies he is pressing for results!", desired Feinberg's removal because of his effectiveness in advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda, describing Feinberg’s leadership as "HISTORIC."
The Department of War reinforced Hegseth’s stance with its own statement. "The Deputy Secretary isn’t going anywhere," Hegseth reiterated in the statement. "Steve is an incredible partner, incredible leader, and someone I am proud to serve alongside every day." Hegseth credited Feinberg with pivotal work in rebuilding the United States' defense industrial base and ensuring military forces are equipped with necessary weapons and supplies. "Steve Feinberg has my 100 percent full support, and has since Day One," Hegseth added.
The White House also challenged the Reuters reporting, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly stating, "These so-called anonymous ‘sources’ have no idea what they are talking about." Kelly affirmed that President Donald Trump appreciates the work of War Secretary Hegseth, Deputy Secretary Feinberg, and the broader Department of War, pointing to recent U.S. military operations as evidence of the department's strong record. Reuters, however, stood by its reporting, acknowledging that while administration officials had explored potential replacements, no final decision had been reached.
Steve Feinberg was sworn in on March 17, 2025, as the 36th deputy secretary of defense, prior to the department's renaming to the Department of War. In his capacity as the department’s second-ranking civilian official, Feinberg functions as its chief operating officer, overseeing daily management and executing the secretary’s strategic priorities. Before his government service, Feinberg founded Cerberus Capital Management in 1992, transforming it into a prominent global investment firm. He also chaired the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board during President Trump’s first administration, from 2018 until January 2021.
The Reuters report indicated that Feinberg has faced scrutiny over his efforts to accelerate U.S. weapons production, particularly as Washington manages significant military commitments internationally. The outlet also highlighted concerns among some administration officials regarding the pace at which the defense industrial base has been able to replenish munitions stockpiles.
This public dispute over Feinberg's future occurs amid a period of notable leadership changes and internal pressures within the Department of War. Earlier this week, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation following months of reported friction with War Secretary Hegseth, prompting President Trump to appoint Adam Telle as acting Army secretary. The administration has also intensified its efforts to identify officials suspected of leaking sensitive military information to news organizations. Reports suggest that senior military officials have undergone anti-leak polygraph examinations as part of an investigation into disclosures concerning the ongoing conflict with Iran. President Trump has publicly endorsed these efforts, criticizing unauthorized revelations of military information. War Secretary Hegseth has previously taken measures against Pentagon personnel accused of unauthorized disclosures and restricted journalists' access to certain areas of the building.
The latest clash regarding Deputy Secretary Feinberg adds another layer to public disagreements over reports of internal divisions within the Pentagon. Despite the differing accounts, both War Secretary Hegseth and the White House are publicly insisting on Feinberg's continued support and secure position within the department. For now, Feinberg remains the deputy secretary, with Hegseth affirming his expectation to continue working alongside him.
