Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in U.S. history, President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social. This expansion comes as the U.S. military burns through its munitions stockpiles in the ongoing Iran war, creating new opportunities for capital accumulation within the military-industrial complex. Trump has privately complained that disclosures on dwindling U.S. munitions make the country appear weak, even as he threatens further military action against Iran.
The issue was central to a Cabinet meeting at Camp David last week. Trump expressed anger over media coverage of low munitions stocks, though officials confirmed he'd known about the problems for months. His frustration stemmed from the public exposure of this information at a critical juncture in the conflict, undermining his desired projection of strength.
War Profiteering Surges
Trump acknowledged that some information about tighter munitions supply was accurate, though he claimed a "virtual unlimited supply" of less-advanced weapons. He met with CEOs of top defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, in March and again last month. These meetings pressed firms to ramp up critical weapons production. Lockheed Martin produces both THAAD and Patriot interceptors, systems heavily depleted in the current conflict. The president invoked the Defense Production Act last month, forcing defense companies to manufacture more weapons. He cited conditions posing a "direct threat to the national defense or its preparedness programs," effectively guaranteeing contracts and profits for these corporations.
CNN reported this week that the military has used nearly four-fifths of its THAAD missile inventory and roughly half of its Patriot interceptors since the war began. Before the conflict, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated the U.S. held around 2,200 Patriots and 452 THAAD missiles. This depletion directly translates into increased demand and state-backed production for private industry.
The State's Imperial Mandate
Trump's ire hasn't targeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House officials insist. Instead, the president focuses on what he calls "treasonous" individuals within the administration who disclosed the information. He has tasked the Justice Department with finding these leakers, seeking "long term jail sentences" for them. This state apparatus works to suppress information that could undermine the appearance of imperial strength, crucial for projecting power abroad.
Questions about munitions stockpiles arose early in the conflict. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and other military leaders warned Trump before the war that a protracted campaign could impact U.S. weapons stockpiles, particularly those supporting Israel and Ukraine. Trump blames the previous administration for depletion, citing weapons shipments to Ukraine. "So much was given to Ukraine by Biden," he told reporters 10 days ago.
Maintaining the Illusion of Strength
The dwindling stockpiles worry not only American officials but also leaders in the Gulf, who rely on U.S. air defense systems. They've raised concerns about their ability to ward off potential Iranian retaliation if Trump escalates the conflict. Iran has already conveyed to Gulf nations that renewed American attacks would result in retaliation on energy sites or desalination facilities. Trump has spoken with leaders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia about the war over the past week, solidifying alliances that protect U.S. capital interests in the region.
White House officials speculate that the leaks come from anti-war officials within the administration. These individuals, they suggest, are determined to push Trump to extricate the United States from the conflict. The stockpile issue was raised again before Trump's decision last weekend to cancel new strikes on Iran. This marks at least the second time in recent weeks that senior military advisers voiced concerns about munitions during discussions about escalating the conflict. Such internal disagreements, however, do not challenge the fundamental imperial project, only its tactical execution.