"The Wall Street Journal": Trump orders investigation into "ammunition leaks" following reports of decline in US arsenal - Sarmad
The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an investigation into the leak of information regarding Pentagon ammunition stocks following media reports about their depletion.
According to a report published by the newspaper, citing sources, “Trump demanded an investigation after weeks of headlines discussing declining ammunition levels related to war, despite administration assurances that the United States has everything it needs to fight Iran and global powers such as Russia and China, according to administration officials.”
According to the newspaper, negative press headlines “drove Trump crazy.”
Trump told reporters on Thursday that obtaining some types of ammunition is easier than others, noting that “we always want more.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Barnell had previously stated that the U.S. military possesses a “deep arsenal” of capabilities to protect the country’s interests whenever and wherever Trump chooses.
However, CNN reported that the U.S. military, particularly during the conflict with Iran, consumed approximately 80% of its main air defense missile system stockpile. The network later reported that Trump was extremely angry over the media leaks.
According to the network and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Pentagon requested an additional $67 billion from Congress to cover the costs of the conflict with Iran and to replenish its weapons stockpiles, some of which had reached very low levels.
CSIS previously estimated that the United States spent between 1,500 and 1,600 Patriot missiles and approximately 200 THAAD interceptor missiles during the confrontation with Iran, which lasted from February 27 to July 27.
The center noted that as a result of this expenditure, Patriot missile stocks fell from 2,300 to between 760 and 830 missiles, and the THAAD arsenal declined from 452 to between 234 and 278 missiles, leading to a significant shortfall in air defense capabilities.
The Washington Post also revealed that President Donald Trump clashed and engaged in a sharp confrontation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting held at the Camp David resort last week.
