President Donald Trump has denied reports that the United States is running low on key munitions in its ongoing conflict with Iran. On Thursday, August 6th, 2026, Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform that the US possesses "massive amounts" of ammunition, with more being manufactured and shipped to the region. He also highlighted that defense companies are constructing the largest number of plants and factories in the country's history, though he did not specify which weapons were involved.

These comments followed reports that Trump had demanded explanations from his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, regarding alleged shortages during a cabinet meeting held the previous Friday at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. According to the Washington Post, Trump expressed feeling misled because he believed the issue "had been fixed." In response, Hegseth defended his position and reportedly shifted blame to his deputy, Stephen Feinberg.

The US military has reportedly "nearly exhausted 80%" of its stock of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) interceptors, a critical missile defense system. The Washington Post also indicated that concerns about dwindling supplies influenced Trump's decision to call off further strikes against Iran, despite his repeated threats to hit the Islamic Republic "very hard."

Later on Thursday, Trump publicly praised Hegseth, stating, "I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing," and accused media outlets reporting shortages of "spreading false and completely unfounded rumors."

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host who refers to himself as the secretary of war, had recently announced a screening program for "testosterone deficiency" among US troops.

Sources