President Donald Trump has denied reports that the US is running short of key munitions in its conflict with Iran, threatening long prison sentences for officials who leak information about the military's weapons stocks.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the US has “massive amounts” of ammunition and that more is being manufactured and shipped to the region. He wrote: “Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country's history,” without providing evidence or specifics.
Reported Confrontation with Hegseth
The denial follows a Washington Post report that Trump demanded answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged shortages during a cabinet meeting at Camp David last Friday. According to two unnamed sources, Trump felt misled, believing the problem “had been fixed.” Hegseth reportedly defended himself and shifted blame to Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg.
Trump responded angrily, accusing the media of spreading “treasonous statements” and warning that leakers would be pursued. He wrote: “The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!”
Reports of Shortages and Strategic Impact
CNN reported that shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors have constrained Trump's strategy, with the US military having “nearly exhausted 80%” of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) interceptors. The Washington Post also suggested that concerns over dwindling supplies contributed to Trump calling off further strikes against Iran, despite his repeated threats.
The White House and Pentagon rejected these claims. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the Camp David account “FAKE NEWS!” on X, adding: “I was at Camp David with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. This literally never happened.” She also insisted that “the President loves the Secretary and thinks he's doing a tremendous job.”
Pentagon Spokesman Dismisses Reports
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed both the reported confrontation and weapons shortages as “equally fictional.” He stated: “Secretary Hegseth isn't going anywhere and he's going to continue to work side by side with Deputy Secretary Feinberg to execute President Trump's agenda, strengthen America's defense industrial base, and ensure our warfighters have every capability they need to deter and defeat any adversary.”
The dispute comes as Trump projects confidence over the war's course. On Sunday, he claimed he had ordered and then called off “the biggest attack since World War II” amid negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran's foreign ministry denied talks were taking place.
The Pentagon has faced criticism for manipulating US casualty figures and failing to hold regular press briefings. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, recently announced a screening programme for “testosterone deficiency” among troops. Joe Scarborough, an MSNBC host and former Republican congressman, posted on X: “When Hegseth attacks media questions on this extreme munitions shortage as 'fake news', he makes this unforgivable blunder worse. Congress needs to take action. Americans need the truth. Hegseth can't give it. He needs to go.”
