Pentagon Nominee Backs Manufacturers Such as Ford and GM to Build Weapons

Stephen Feinberg, President Donald Trump’s nominee for deputy defense secretary, told lawmakers on Wednesday that the opportunity to build weapons should be extended to major U.S. manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors, and not remain limited to traditional defense contractors. Feinberg, co-founder and CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 26, emphasizing the need to integrate more companies into defense production. Expanding the defense industrial base is crucial for keeping pace with China, whose military is determined to surpass the United States, he argued. The U.S. defense industry is currently dominated by five major contractors—Lockheed Martin, Boeing, RTX, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. Feinberg contended that non-defense firms should have a chance to participate....