WASHINGTON D.C. — Stephen Feinberg has served as the deputy secretary of defense since March 2025. Since his confirmation hearing, Feinberg has not testified before a congressional committee, held a press conference, or granted an interview.

Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote an April letter to Feinberg stating that companies affiliated with Cerberus Capital Management received contracts related to the Golden Dome missile defense system. Warren wrote to Feinberg: "The award of contracts to Cerberus-linked companies raises serious conflicts of interest concerns." In February 2025, Warren also wrote to Feinberg: "I am concerned that your track record as a private equity executive shows you lack the skills and demonstrated experience needed to manage and execute the scale of reforms necessary at the Department of Defense."

Winslow Wheeler, a defense analyst and former Government Accountability Office official, said: "He's perfectly happy to let Hegseth do that horseshit so long as Hegseth stays out of his hair and he can do what he wants." Feinberg oversees the Pentagon's procurement network and invests taxpayer funds in defense companies. A spokesperson for Feinberg left the government after months in his tenure and was not replaced. The U.S. government released a cartoon animation in May that depicted a figure labeled DEPSECWAR FEINBERG.

Feinberg stated in early 2025 his intention to divest all his holdings in Cerberus and its affiliates upon joining the government. He certified in March 2025 that he divested his holdings. A Cerberus spokesperson said: "Mr. Feinberg divested his stake in Cerberus and any funds that it manages, and is not involved with the operations of Cerberus or any of its portfolio companies in any way." Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said: "The Deputy Secretary is a man of integrity who has conducted himself ethically throughout his entire career and has had a generational impact on the Department of War."

Multiple associates of Feinberg have joined the department. John Gallagher joined the department as a senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to Feinberg. George Kollitides, a Cerberus alumnus, serves as a senior executive adviser to Feinberg. Tomas Rakusan, a former CIA case officer, serves as a senior adviser to Feinberg at the Pentagon. A Pentagon official said: "In his mind the most qualified people are the people who have been working for him for 10 years. Their whole thing is shaking up the way government works." According to officials, Feinberg supported David Rush in a phone call to the CIA before learning of the scandal.