EXCLUSIVE: White House reviews candidates to replace Hegseth deputy Feinberg, sources say - Reuters

The White House is reportedly reviewing potential candidates to replace Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. The review, which began in June, has involved discussions with senior Senate lawmakers about the level of support any new appointee might receive during the confirmation process. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the assessment was still ongoing as of late August.

No decision has been made to remove Feinberg from his position, and officials have not provided a reason for the review. The identities of any prospective candidates have also not been disclosed. The lack of specific information has left the status of the deputy secretary’s tenure uncertain.

In response to the reports, a White House spokeswoman stated that the individuals cited in the reports “have no idea what they are talking about.” She also expressed appreciation for the work of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Deputy Secretary Feinberg, and the department’s personnel, referencing recent U.S. military operations in Iran and Venezuela.

The Pentagon, for its part, denied that a process to replace Feinberg was underway. The department’s statement contradicted the reports of an active review, emphasizing that no formal steps had been taken toward a leadership change.

The reported review comes amid an unusually high rate of staff turnover within the Pentagon, prompting speculation that further leadership adjustments may be considered in the coming months.