Trump angry over reports of depleted US munitions, cites weakness in Iran talks

President Donald Trump has voiced irritation that recent disclosures about dwindling U.S. munitions inventories could portray the United States as weak at a critical stage of the conflict with Iran, senior officials said. The issue was raised during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, where Trump reportedly questioned why the information was becoming public.

Trump posted on his social media platform, stating, "The U.S. has massive amounts of ‘munitions,’ especially of certain types. Additionally, large amounts are being manufactured and shipped to the U.S. as needed. Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country’s history." He also warned that individuals who leaked the data could face "long term jail sentences."

According to officials, the president has not singled out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, adding that he praised Hegseth’s performance in a separate post. The Justice Department has been tasked with identifying the source of the leaks, which officials described as "treasonous."

Recent reporting indicated that the U.S. military has used roughly 80% of its THAAD missiles and about half of its Patriot interceptors since the conflict began. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated pre-war stockpiles of 2,200 Patriot systems and 452 THAAD missiles. Gulf states, which rely on U.S. air-defense equipment, have expressed concern that shortages could limit their ability to counter potential Iranian retaliation.

Trump has previously blamed the prior administration for reduced inventories, citing weapons shipments to Ukraine. He has met with defense-industry CEOs and invoked the Defense Production Act to accelerate production, though officials note that increased output may take years to materialize.