Trump finalizes Defense Department with slate of picks – Washington Examiner


Trump finalizes Defense Department with slate of picks

President-elect Donald Trump has continued to solidify his administration with just under a month to go until Inauguration Day, announcing various picks for top positions in the Defense Department.

While his pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, has been trying to court senators who will need to back his bid after allegations of sexual assault and a drinking problem, Trump released a slate of picks that will likely coast through the confirmation proceedings.

Here are the picks Trump made on Sunday.

Deputy secretary of defense

Trump selected billionaire Stephen Feinberg as his deputy secretary of defense, a position just below that of defense secretary.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump pointed to his business background, founding the investment firm Cerberus Capital Management, and Feinberg’s role in his first administration serving as chairman of the Intelligence Advisory Board, which is a part of the executive office.

“Stephen Feinberg will serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense, and help Make the Pentagon Great Again. An extremely successful businessman, Stephen is a Princeton graduate, who founded his company, Cerberus, in 1992. In addition to his leadership at Cerberus, from 2018 to January 2021, Stephen served as Chairman of my Intelligence Advisory Board,” Trump said.

Under secretary of defense for policy

Trump picked Elbridge Colby for under secretary of defense for policy at the Defense Department.

In a statement, Trump lauded his foreign policy and defense background, along with his service in Trump’s first administration as deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development.

“Elbridge ‘Bridge’ Colby will serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. A highly respected advocate for our America First foreign and defense policy, Bridge will work closely with my outstanding Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to restore our Military power, and achieve my policy of PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. Bridge served with distinction in the Pentagon in my First Term, leading the effort on my landmark 2018 Defense strategy. He graduated from Harvard College and Yale Law School, and will make an excellent addition to my team, who will, Make America Great Again!” Trump said.

Under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment

Trump announced that Michael Duffey, a long-time government official who served in Trump’s first administration, will be the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump pointed to his past work at the DOD and the Office of Management and Budget.

“Michael Duffey will serve as the next Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment. 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,” he said.

In the role, Trump said Duffey will “drive change at the Pentagon,” “revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, and rebuild our Military.”

Under secretary of defense for research and engineering

Emil Michael, a former Uber CBO and tech guru, will serve as under secretary of defense for research and engineering, Trump announced.

Trump pointed to his tech background and past service in the DOD as special assistant to the secretary of defense in a statement.

In the role, Trump said Michael will “ensure that our Military has the most technologically sophisticated weapons in the World, while saving A LOT of money for our Taxpayers.”

Assistant secretary of defense for health affairs

Trump selected Keith Bass as his assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, who will “ensure our Troops are healthy, and receiving the best Medical Care possible.”

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump pointed to Bass’s extensive experience in healthcare, Navy background, and work with the medical departments of the DOD, CIA, and the White House.

Chief of staff for the secretary of defense

Joe Kasper will serve as chief of staff for the secretary of defense, Trump announced.

In a statement, Trump listed Kasper’s past experience working in the DOD under his first administration, as well as his work in the Department of Homeland Security.

The chief of staff provides counsel and advice to the defense secretary.



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