The White House has reviewed possible candidates to replace Pentagon deputy Steve Feinberg, despite there being no decision to remove him, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The review began in June and included conversations with senior US senators about whether potential nominees could win enough support for confirmation. One source said the process was still under way in late August.
The identities of those being considered have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear why the White House examined alternatives to Feinberg. The White House rejected the report, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said his deputy had his full backing and “isn’t going anywhere”.
A departure by Feinberg would represent the most senior change at the Pentagon during a period of substantial turnover under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned this week after months of tension with Mr Hegseth, according to a person familiar with the matter. Navy Secretary John Phelan and several senior Army officials have also left in recent months.
Feinberg, a billionaire and co-founder of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, was appointed by Mr Trump last year. He has made increasing US weapons production a central priority as the military’s stockpiles have come under pressure during the six-month conflict with Iran.
In a memo sent to defence contractors in August, Feinberg called for faster manufacturing and greater transparency over pricing. He has also pursued plans for the Pentagon to invest more directly in companies and provide loans to defence contractors.
Analysts have warned that the US defence industry cannot rapidly expand production, while some executives have pointed to delays in congressional funding. The pressure has intensified as the conflict has reduced supplies of some American munitions.
Feinberg has separately faced scrutiny over possible conflicts of interest involving Cerberus and Pentagon spending on the Golden Dome missile-defence programme. The Pentagon has said he fully divested from the firm and recused himself from government discussions or business involving Cerberus.
