WASHINGTON: The White House is considering candidates to replace Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg, as the Trump administration faces growing concerns over US weapons production and depleted munitions stockpiles, people familiar with the discussions said.
Administration officials have held preliminary discussions with senators about potential replacements and their prospects for confirmation, although President Donald Trump has not made a final decision. The Pentagon has denied that Feinberg is being pushed out and says Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth continues to support him.
Feinberg, a billionaire investor and former co-founder of Cerberus Capital Management, took office with a mandate that included strengthening the US defence industrial base and accelerating weapons production.
His position has come under greater scrutiny as the continuing military confrontation with Iran places additional pressure on American missile and ammunition inventories. Trump has expressed frustration over the state of US stockpiles, although the Pentagon disputes reports that he has personally blamed Feinberg.
The discussions also come during a period of significant turnover at the Pentagon, including the recent departures of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Navy Secretary John Phelan.
No replacement has been selected, and Feinberg remains in office while continuing to oversee several Pentagon initiatives.