Robert G. Salesses
Robert Salesses | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2005 | |
| Acting United States Deputy Secretary of Defense | |
| In office January 28, 2025 – March 17, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Kathleen Hicks |
| Succeeded by | Steve Feinberg |
| Acting United States Secretary of Defense | |
| In office January 20, 2025 – January 25, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Lloyd Austin |
| Succeeded by | Pete Hegseth |
| Personal details | |
| Education | Rhode Island College (BA) Naval War College (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Battles/wars | Liberation of Kuwait campaign |
| Awards | Bronze Star |
Robert G. Salesses is Deputy Director of Washington Headquarters Services in the U.S. Department of Defense, who served as the 36th Acting Secretary of Defense in the Trump Administration from January 20, 2025 to January 25, 2025. He was formerly a U.S. Marine Corps officer and has served in multiple positions in the Department of Defense.
As Deputy Director for Washington Headquarters Services, he manages a portfolio of complex and integrated operational services to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other military and Department of Defense agencies. He provides oversight of financial, contracting, security, human resources, and other logistical operations that support nearly 100,000 Department of Defense personnel.