Trump unhappy with Hegseth over 'decline' in US weapons stockpiles: Washington Post

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over reported shortages in American military weapons and missile stockpiles during a Cabinet meeting held at Camp David last week, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The report, citing two informed sources, said Trump expressed surprise over the continued shortage of critical weapons, particularly long-range guided missiles and interceptor missiles used in air defense systems, despite previously being told that the issue had been resolved.

According to the report, the president sought an explanation during the meeting and asked why the shortages had not been addressed.

The Washington Post report further claimed that the limited availability of certain weapons systems had also influenced recent decisions regarding potential further military action against Iran, as constrained stockpiles were affecting U.S. military options.

Sources cited in the report said the U.S. military has faced challenges in maintaining adequate supplies of advanced guided missiles and key weapons required for air defense systems.

However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has previously rejected reports of disagreements or heated exchanges between President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth over Iran policy.

She said Trump was satisfied with Hegseth’s performance and described such reports as false.

The report comes amid ongoing discussions in U.S. media and government circles regarding tensions with Iran, American military readiness, and the availability of weapons reserves.