White House Reportedly Weighs Replacing Pentagon’s Deputy Secretary Amid Leadership Shakeup

The White House has reportedly reviewed possible candidates to replace Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, according to people familiar with internal discussions. The review process, which reportedly began earlier this year, included conversations with senior senators about whether potential replacements could secure enough support for confirmation. Officials familiar with the matter stressed that no final decision has been made regarding Feinberg’s future in the role.

Both the White House and Pentagon publicly denied that any active effort exists to remove him, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that Feinberg retains his full support and expressing confidence in his performance.

Part of a Broader Pattern of Pentagon Departures

If Feinberg were to leave his position, it would mark the most senior departure yet in a Defense Department that has already experienced significant staff turnover under current leadership. Several other high ranking officials, including the Army Secretary and Navy Secretary, have departed in recent months amid ongoing internal tensions.

Munitions Production Goals Remain Unmet

Feinberg had previously pledged to accelerate US munitions production, though analysts note the domestic industrial base has struggled to scale up quickly enough, a challenge some attribute to slow congressional funding approval. Reports have also surfaced regarding internal disagreements over dwindling weapons stockpiles amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, though officials have pushed back against claims of blame being placed on Feinberg specifically.

Feinberg has also faced scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about potential conflicts of interest tied to his prior business background, though Pentagon officials maintain he has fully divested from those previous ties.