WP: A Conflict Has Arisen Between Trump And Hegset
- 6.08.2026, 8:59
Because of the missile situation in the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump was disappointed and demanded an explanation from Pentagon chief Pete Hegset as to why he was likely misled regarding the acute shortage of ammunition amid the conflict with Iran.
This was reported by The Washington Post.
According to sources, the meeting took place on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. During the meeting, Trump confronted the Pentagon chief, arguing that the shortage of ammunition threatens to limit U.S. military capabilities against Iran.
Hegset, in turn, defended himself and blamed his deputy Steven Feinberg for the shortage and for failing to keep Trump fully informed on the matter.
According to many officials, this exchange highlighted Trump’s growing frustration with his defense secretary, who had been one of the main advocates for military action against Iran. In fact, it was Hegset who convinced the president that it would be a quick and relatively easy victory.
Also in July, during Senate hearings, Hegset refused to discuss the advice he had given Trump and repeatedly blamed any shortcomings on the Biden administration’s actions regarding the military, rather than on operations carried out under Trump.
According to one source, the shortage of long-range guided missiles and anti-aircraft interceptor missiles was one of the reasons why Trump decided in recent days against launching additional massive strikes against Iran.
In addition, the shortage of defensive munitions has affected not only the Middle East but has also led to a shortage of air defense systems in Ukraine, leaving the country vulnerable to attacks by Russia.
“The lack of interceptor missiles also changes the U.S. approach to deciding whether to use munitions against an imminent threat,” a U.S. official told the WP.
The publication added that although the U.S. has announced new deals to produce some of the most critical munitions, such as Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, the actual production process for these munitions could take up to two years. Consequently, no improvement in the shortage situation is expected in the near future.