Donald Trump has publicly 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 that the US possesses "massive amounts" of ammunition and that additional supplies are being manufactured and shipped to the region. He also warned of long prison sentences for officials leaking information about military weapons stocks.

Trump's comments came after reports that he 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, believing the issue had already been resolved. Hegseth reportedly defended himself and attempted to shift responsibility 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 over dwindling munitions influenced Trump's decision to call off further strikes against Iran, despite his prior threats to hit the Islamic Republic "very hard."

Later on Thursday, Trump praised Hegseth on social media, 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."

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