US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Rejects Claims of Munitions Shortages

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Senator Mark Kelly appeared on "Face the Nation" to dispute the state of the United States' munitions stockpiles. Hegseth called reports of a shortage a "manufactured story" and said the stockpiles are "great and only getting stronger," while Kelly warned that relentless air strikes in the Iran conflict have heavily depleted weapons, noting estimates of extensive Patriot missile use.

The discussion came hours before President Donald Trump announced a peace deal with Iran. Hegseth attributed current inventory strain to the previous administration’s allocation of arms to Ukraine, asserting that the Pentagon is now accelerating production to replenish supplies. The two officials have a history of conflict, including a past attempt by Hegseth to censure Kelly that was blocked by a federal judge.