This week, ProPublica made public a trove of nearly 3,200 disclosure records that reveal financial ties between senior government officials and the industries they help regulate. The disclosures, which can be viewed in a searchable database, detail the finances of more than 1,500 federal officials appointed by President Donald Trump. Records for Trump and Vice President JD Vance are also included.
Aside from the president and vice president, though, a number of other high-ranking government officials caught our attention. We’re breaking down what the disclosure records show for four individuals with financial relationships that have drawn scrutiny as Trump has dismantled ethics safeguards designed to prevent conflicts of interest.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the president and his appointees. “President Trump is leading the most transparent administration in history,” Kelly said. “He has also nominated highly-qualified individuals across the Executive Branch who have a wide range of public and private sector backgrounds.”
1. Steve Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Formerly: CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm he co-founded
Feinberg oversees the office in charge of the Golden Dome for America project, a proposed missile defense system modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome. At least four of the companies awarded contracts so far are owned by Cerberus Capital Management, the firm he co-founded. In response to questions from ProPublica, the Defense Department said Feinberg does not “have direct responsibility for any Golden Dome acquisitions” but did not elaborate.
2. Marc Berkowitz, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy
Formerly: Vice president for strategic planning at Lockheed Martin
During his confirmation, Berkowitz described the Golden Dome project as one of his top priorities. He also downplayed any potential role he would play in contract decisions. Days before his confirmation, Lockheed Martin was among the firms awarded contracts for the project. Reuters reported that Lockheed is one of several firms that received contracts to build competing prototypes of the missile defense system.
In his financial disclosure documents, Berkowitz reported receiving two monthly pensions from Lockheed and owning between $1 million and $5 million worth of stock in the firm. Berkowitz agreed to divest by March 18, documents show.
A senior Defense Department official told ProPublica that Berkowitz is recusing himself from matters involving Lockheed until his remaining shares are sold. A Pentagon spokesperson said that Berkowitz is in full compliance with the law.
