Trump summons defense chiefs over depleted missile stockpiles

US President Donald Trump will convene leaders from approximately seven major defense contractors at the White House later this week to demand accelerated weapons production amid mounting concerns over depleted American missile stockpiles, according to NBC News.

White House Confrontation

Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg is expected to attend the session, which one source familiar with the plans described as likely "going to be ugly." The anticipated tension stems partly from Trump's frustration over the state of US munitions reserves, which have been drawn down by sustained military commitments across multiple theaters.

Depleted Reserves

American stockpiles have steadily diminished since Washington began supplying Ukraine following Russia's 2022 invasion and were further depleted by airstrikes on Iran last June and the ongoing military campaign against Tehran that began in late February. To satisfy battlefield requirements, the Pentagon has pulled weapons from European and Asian stockpiles, the network reported. Despite widespread alarm within the defense establishment, the department has not signed any new multiyear procurement contracts since Trump took office, according to officials and industry representatives.

Production Lag

A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found the US is running critically low on key long-range precision weapons. Researchers estimated that roughly 1,000 or more Tomahawk cruise missiles have been expended since the Iran campaign began, with production of replacement munitions potentially requiring more than three years even if contracts were finalized immediately. A White House spokesperson disputed the shortage narrative, stating that the US military maintains sufficient munitions to meet all of the president's strategic objectives.