Trump has defense companies on edge as he privately rages over thinning stockpiles: report
Trump is angry over the United States' dwindling stockpile of missiles as he looks to once again escalate the conflict with Iran, according to a new report.According to insiders who spoke to NBC News, "the president has expressed anger to aides and allies over thinning American stockpiles." Amid war in Iran, the U.S. military is burning through the Pentagon's supplies of missiles and interceptors, according to NBC News, citing defense officials. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed concerns, military officials, lawmakers, and outside experts worry about how the U.S. will respond if another enemy attacks, NBC News noted.At the same time, Trump is mulling whether to restart major combat operations in Iran on top of the new strikes launched in retaliation for a downed Apache helicopter earlier this week.Leaders from about seven defense companies are preparing to meet with Trump at the White House later this week, and they expect a contentious discussion because of missile stockpiles, insiders told NBC News. One person familiar with the meeting told NBC News they expect it's "going to be ugly."Those defense industry leaders are expecting Trump to press them to quickly produce arms and restock the Pentagon's inventory, according to NBC News.A White House official denied that such a meeting is scheduled "at this time," according to NBC News. The Pentagon didn't respond to NBC News' request for comment.
