US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejects claims that the United States is running short on munitions stockpiles. In comments reported on Sunday, he tells CBS News’ Face the Nation that reports of dwindling inventories are a “manufactured story” promoted by the media. He says US stockpiles “are great” and are getting stronger, and that the Pentagon is building additional munitions. Hegseth also attributes recent replenishment needs to earlier transfers connected to the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine, saying the current administration has been refilling in real time.
The denial comes as other concerns remain in public debate. Some critics question Pentagon cost estimates related to the war with Iran and raise broader worries that ongoing support for Ukraine and operations in the Middle East have depleted supplies of key munitions. Separately, Hegseth previously testified in April that replenishing some munitions could take “months and years,” describing that timeframe as “fast,” while acknowledging replenishment times may vary by munition type.
Hours before these remarks, the US and Iran announce a ceasefire deal, according to one outlet’s reporting.
