President-elect Donald Trump announced more nominations to fill his incoming Department of Defense (DoD) on Sunday, less than a month before his inauguration day.
Deputy Secretary of Defense
Trump announced billionaire investor Stephen Feinberg as his nominee for the No. 2 position at the Pentagon, deputy secretary of defense. Feinberg served as chairman of Trump’s presidential Intelligence Advisory Board in the first Trump administration.
A graduate of Princeton University, Feinberg founded the private equity firm Cerberus in 1992. Cerberus has invested in defense contractors.
The president-elect said he knows Feinberg will “help Make the Pentagon Great Again.”
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Former senior DOD official Elbridge “Bridge” Colby was named for the No. 3 position at the Pentagon, under secretary of defense for policy.
Unlike the secretary and deputy secretary nominees, Colby has prior experience working at the Pentagon. He served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development in the first Trump White House when he helped develop the 2018 National Defense Strategy that brought the threat of communist China into greater focus for U.S. defense priorities.
Other Defense Appointments
Trump tapped Michael Duffey to serve as under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment the same day.
“Mike has been a strong advocate for our Warfighters and the American Taxpayer throughout his many years of public service, including in the Department of Defense, and the Office of Management and Budget of my First Administration,” Trump said.
“Mike will drive change at the Pentagon and, as a staunch proponent of an America First approach to our National Defense, will work to revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, and rebuild our Military.”
“Emil will ensure that our Military has the most technologically sophisticated weapons in the World, while saving A LOT of money for our Taxpayers,” Trump said.
“He has led Medical Departments in the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the White House Medical Unit,” Trump said of Bass’s over 30 years of health care experience.
“Keith will be leading the charge to ensure our Troops are healthy, and receiving the best Medical Care possible.”
All positions except Kasper’s appointment as chief of staff will require Senate confirmation.
