War Secretary Pete Hegseth forcefully rejected a report claiming the White House has been reviewing potential replacements for Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg, declaring that his second-in-command “isn’t going anywhere.”
Reuters reported Friday that the White House had examined possible candidates to replace Feinberg, citing multiple people familiar with the matter. The discussions reportedly began in June and included conversations with senior senators about whether possible replacements could win enough support for confirmation.
The report immediately prompted denials from both Hegseth and the White House.
According to Reuters, no final decision had been made to remove Feinberg. Sources also said they did not know precisely why possible replacements were being considered or which individuals had been reviewed.
One source cited in the original report said the review remained underway as recently as late August.
Hegseth responded Saturday by issuing an emphatic defense of Feinberg and dismissing the report as false.
“The @DeptofWar has never had a better Deputy Secretary than Steve Feinberg,” Hegseth wrote. “Stories like these are COMPLETELY false.”
Hegseth alleged that outside interests wanted Feinberg removed because of pressure he has placed on companies doing business with the government.
“Outside forces (i.e. companies he is pressing for results!) want Steve gone because he is so effective in advancing @POTUS’ agenda,” Hegseth wrote, before describing Feinberg’s leadership as “HISTORIC.”
The Pentagon separately issued a statement backing Feinberg and denying that he was on his way out.
“The Deputy Secretary isn’t going anywhere,” Hegseth said in the statement. “Steve is an incredible partner, incredible leader, and someone I am proud to serve alongside every day.”
Hegseth credited Feinberg with working to rebuild the US defense industrial base and ensuring that military forces have access to the weapons and equipment needed for operations.
“Steve Feinberg has my 100 percent full support, and has since Day One,” Hegseth added.
The White House also challenged Reuters’ reporting.
“These so-called anonymous ‘sources’ have no idea what they are talking about,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.
Kelly said President Donald Trump appreciated the work of Hegseth, Feinberg and the broader Department of War, citing recent US military operations as evidence of the department’s record.
Reuters stood by its reporting that administration officials had explored potential replacements while noting that officials said no decision had been reached.
Feinberg was sworn in March 17, 2025, as the 36th deputy secretary of defense, before the department was renamed the Department of War. As the department’s second-ranking civilian official, he serves as its chief operating officer and oversees day-to-day management while carrying out the secretary’s priorities.
Before entering government, Feinberg founded Cerberus Capital Management in 1992 and built the company into a major global investment firm. He also chaired the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board during Trump’s first administration from 2018 until January 2021, per the Daily Mail.
Reuters reported that Feinberg has faced pressure over efforts to increase US weapons production as Washington manages significant military commitments abroad. The outlet also reported that some administration officials have scrutinized the pace at which the defense industrial base has been able to replenish munitions.
The dispute comes during a period of notable turnover in senior Pentagon leadership.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation earlier this week following months of reported friction with Hegseth. Trump subsequently named Adam Telle acting Army secretary.
The administration has also intensified efforts to identify officials suspected of leaking sensitive military information to news organizations.
The Daily Mail reported that senior military officials have faced anti-leak polygraph examinations as the administration investigates disclosures concerning the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump has publicly supported the effort and has criticized unauthorized disclosures of military information.
Hegseth has previously taken action against Pentagon personnel accused of unauthorized disclosures while tightening journalists’ access to portions of the building.
The latest clash over Feinberg adds another public dispute over reports of divisions inside the Pentagon, although both Hegseth and the White House are publicly insisting that Feinberg retains their support.
For now, Feinberg remains the department’s deputy secretary, with Hegseth saying Saturday that his position is secure and that he expects to continue working alongside him.
