Trump orders fresh probes after reports of depleted US weapon stockpiles: WSJ

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered new, aggressive investigations into unauthorized disclosures regarding the Pentagon's munitions inventories.

The move follows a wave of media reports including coverage by The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and CNN detailing significant drawdowns in critical U.S. missile defenses and stockpiles, particularly linked to military operations involving Iran.

The controversy swirls around the major issue where recent media leaks indicated that high-demand defense assets such as Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and THAAD interceptors had been heavily depleted (with reports suggesting a vast percentage of specific inventories were utilized).

Additional reports claimed supplies of tactical munitions like ATACMS had run critically low.

In response, President Trump sharply pushed back against the claims, labeling them "fake news" and asserting that the United States possesses "massive amounts of munitions" and remains in "very good shape".

He also defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth against rumors of internal friction over the shortages.

Calling the leaks "treasonous statements," Trump said on social media that those responsible were being actively hunted and vowed to seek lengthy prison sentences for anyone found responsible.

As reported, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration's position, stating that the U.S. has "more than enough firepower" for any contingency and warning that leakers of classified information face strict federal prosecution.

Additionally, the investigations underscore mounting sensitivity within the White House over how defense readiness data is communicated publicly, especially as the administration works with Congress to push through multibillion-dollar funding packages aimed at rapidly accelerating domestic munitions manufacturing.