US Senate confirms new deputy defence secretary

The US Senate confirmed  billionaire financier Stephen A. Feinberg as the Defence Department's 36th deputy defence secretary by a vote of 59-40.

Feinberg, the founder and chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, one of the largest private investment firms globally, has secured the high-profile role following approval by the Senate, Caliber.Az reports citing US Department of Defence.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Feinberg’s appointment on social media platform X, stating that Feinberg is “perfect for this position.”

Congratulations to Stephen Feinberg, our NEW Deputy Secretary of Defense! His appointment is well-deserved and he’s the right man for the job—the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let's get to work!

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) March 14, 2025

"Congratulations to Stephen Feinberg, our new deputy secretary of defense. His appointment is well-deserved, and he's the right man for the job, the stakes couldn't be higher. Let's get to work," Hegseth noted.

The Pentagon’s leadership expressed optimism about Feinberg's appointment, with the Pentagon chief noting that they are "looking forward to working together" as they tackle critical defence issues facing the United States.

Feinberg, a New York native and businessman, last worked in government as chair of President Donald J. Trump's Intelligence Advisory Board during the president's first administration from 2018 to 2021.

As deputy defence secretary, Feinberg will be responsible for DOD's day-to-day business, including executing the defense secretary's priorities and managing the department's budget.

Feinberg underwent a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing Feb. 25, 2025, during which he testified on topics including improving DOD's management of finances and strengthening the defense industrial base.

During that hearing, Feinberg was asked what he would do to help the defense department to pass an audit — one of the priorities Hegseth listed early on in his tenure with DOD.

In response, Feinberg said people responsible for the Pentagon's budget may not always be involved in the financial details as they should be and that he would work to change that.

By Vafa Guliyeva