Trump Might Hire Jewish Investor To Review Spy Agencies

Donald Trump speaking at a rally during his presidential campaign. Image by Getty Images
The New York Times reported Wednesday evening that President Donald Trump is planning to hire private equity billionaire Steve Feinberg to run a “broad review of American intelligence agencies.”
Feinberg, who has no intelligence experience, is a founder of Cerberus Capital Management, a $40 billion firm with a wide range of assets, including the military contractor DynCorp. Feinberg raised money for Trump’s campaign, and is currently a member of Trump’s executive advisory council.
Known as reclusive and media-shy, Feinberg gives few interviews. He spent the early part of his Wall Street career at the investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert. He is reportedly close friends with the investor J. Ezra Merkin.
The expected appointment comes amid growing tensions between Trump and the intelligence community, as Trump continues to criticize intelligence staffers over leaks.
Contact Josh Nathan-Kazis at [email protected]
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
