Trump Disputes Reports of Depleted Missile Stockpiles, Promises Prosecution of Leakers

President Donald Trump rejected claims Thursday that U.S. military munitions reserves have been substantially depleted, asserting instead that America maintains abundant weapons stockpiles. The president’s comments came after Reuters reported Tuesday that the Army had exhausted nearly all supplies of two critical long-range precision systems—Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM)—during a five-month conflict with Iran.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the nation possesses “massive amounts of munitions,” particularly certain categories, and that defense manufacturers are currently producing and delivering additional supplies at scale. He characterized weapons production as reaching historic levels and pledged that U.S. defense companies are constructing the largest number of plants and factories in American history.

The president targeted those responsible for publicizing the munitions data, labeling them “treasonous” and announcing an investigation into their identities. “The ‘leakers’ of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!” Trump wrote, a message later amplified by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on X.

Pentagon officials have expressed concern that advanced precision weapons deplete within months despite requiring years for replacement and production. Military planners worry the reduced inventories could compromise America’s capacity to address future contingencies involving major rivals including China and Russia.

Reuters also reported that the Iran conflict substantially reduced supplies of Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Pentagon maintained that U.S. armed forces retain sufficient capabilities for worldwide operations, though specific stockpile figures remain classified.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies determined the U.S. possesses adequate missiles to sustain operations in Iran under foreseeable conditions. However, CSIS warned the core issue involves readiness for potential future conflicts, with retired Marine Colonel Mark Cancian noting that inventory depletion prompted suspension of some air operations as reserves fell below targets established by war planners.

Trump stated Wednesday that America holds more munitions than any other nation and more than required, adding that the Biden administration had transferred unprecedented quantities to Ukraine and European allies at no cost. The Pentagon’s chief spokesman Sean Parnell countered the critical reporting, emphasizing that America’s military remains the world’s most powerful with full capabilities to execute presidential directives.