Robert G. Salesses

Robert Salesses
Official portrait, 2025
8th Director of Administration and Management
Assumed office
June 2025
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byJennifer C. Walsh
Acting United States Deputy Secretary of Defense
In office
January 28, 2025 – March 17, 2025
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byKathleen Hicks
Succeeded bySteve Feinberg
Acting United States Secretary of Defense
In office
January 20, 2025 – January 25, 2025
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byLloyd Austin
Succeeded byPete Hegseth
Personal details
EducationRhode Island College (BA)
Naval War College (MA)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Marine Corps
Battles/warsGulf War
AwardsBronze Star Medal

Robert G. Salesses is the Director of Administration and Management in the U.S. Department of Defense who served as the 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.