Trump Appoints Acting Pentagon Leaders Amid Senate Confirmation Delays

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has appointed Robert Salesses, a career Department of Defense civilian, as acting secretary of defense, alongside three other acting heads for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The appointments come as the Senate has yet to confirm Trump’s nominees for these key positions.

Salesses, a retired Marine and Gulf War veteran, currently serves as deputy director of the Pentagon’s Washington Headquarters Service. He will temporarily lead the Department of Defense until a permanent secretary is confirmed. Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, could see his nomination advanced by the Senate Armed Services Committee as early as Monday, but a full Senate vote may not occur until later this week.

In addition to Salesses, Trump has named Mark Averill as acting Army secretary, Terence Emmert as acting Navy secretary, and Gary Ashworth as acting Air Force secretary. All three are career DoD civilians with extensive military and administrative experience. Averill, a West Point graduate, previously served as administrative assistant to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. Emmert, a former Navy aviator, brings expertise in research and testing, while Ashworth, a 20-year Air Force veteran, has led acquisition programs.

The appointments come as the Trump administration prioritizes continuity in Pentagon leadership amid ongoing national security challenges. In his inaugural address, Trump hinted at potential military deployments to the U.S.-Mexico border to support border wall construction. Currently, approximately 2,500 National Guard and Reserve forces are stationed at the border under federal orders, providing logistical and reconnaissance support.

U.S. Northern Command, responsible for border operations, stated that these troops are authorized to remain for 12 months, offering critical support to Customs and Border Protection personnel. While no active-duty troops are currently deployed to the border, some leadership personnel are performing command and control functions.

The acting appointments also extend to key technology and cybersecurity roles within the Pentagon. Leslie Beavers, a retired Air Force brigadier general, is serving as acting chief information officer, while Gurpreet Bhatia holds dual roles as acting deputy CIO for cybersecurity and chief information security officer. Radha Plumb, a defense acquisition expert, recently stepped down as chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, with Margie Palmieri assuming the role in an acting capacity.

As the Trump administration awaits Senate confirmations, these acting leaders are expected to maintain stability and continuity in the Pentagon’s operations. NBC first reported Salesses’ appointment.