'Fake reporting is treasonous': Trump defends Hegseth after munitions shortage report

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump forcefully defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday, August 6, dismissing reports of a confrontation over dwindling US munitions stockpiles as "false and completely unfounded rumors" while accusing the media of publishing "treasonous" reporting.

The public show of support came after reports that Trump demanded answers from Hegseth during a Camp David meeting over the depletion of key weapons during the ongoing war with Iran, turning the focus from reported internal concerns to Trump's backing of his national security team and condemnation of alleged leaks.

Trump rejects report and backs Pete Hegseth

In a Truth Social post, Trump made clear he stood behind his defense secretary despite reports of friction.

"The Fake News, as usual, is spreading false and completely unfounded rumors. I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing," Trump wrote.

He went on to praise Hegseth's record, saying, "Pete is highly respected within the Military, and has made tremendous improvements, including getting rid of DEI, and increasing recruitment to historic levels."

Trump also highlighted recent military operations, writing, "Everything has been extraordinary, including our attack on Venezuela, where the result was accomplished in less than one day, allowing us to bring one of the worst criminals anywhere in the World, Nicolas Maduro, to Justice."

The president added that Iran had been "decimated" and said the conflict, which began in late February, was going "very well."

Trump reserved some of his strongest language for the Washington Post, which reported that he had questioned Hegseth over why he had allegedly been misled about the extent of US munitions shortages.

"In actuality, I really believe their fake 'reporting' is treasonous," Trump wrote.

Trump targets leaks amid munitions concerns

Earlier Thursday, Trump also addressed reports about US weapons supplies, insisting the military still possessed "massive amounts" of munitions and saying "large" quantities were being produced and shipped to the United States.

He also warned that officials responsible for leaking information would face consequences.

"The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down," Trump wrote in another Truth Social post. "Long term jail sentences will be sought!"

The reported shortages involve Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles, high-value surface-to-surface weapons costing about $1 million each, along with interceptors for a key missile defense system. 

According to a CNN report, the depletion has raised concerns among some defense officials and experts about US readiness if another conflict were to emerge.

The shortages also reportedly influenced Trump's decision to order, and later cancel, what was described as the "biggest attack since World War II" on Iran.

The president has repeatedly stood by Pete Hegseth

Thursday's defense of Hegseth continued a pattern of public support from Trump throughout the Iran conflict.

When asked in late July whether he was frustrated with Hegseth's advice during the early stages of the war, Trump replied that the defense secretary had "done a great job."

Trump also recalled in late March that Hegseth was the first senior administration official to endorse military action against Iran.

"Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up and you said let's do it because you can't let them have a nuclear weapon," Trump said at the time.

The latest display of confidence follows another administration move involving Hegseth's family. 

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order creating a commission focused on military spouses and families, naming Hegseth's wife, Jennifer Rauchet, as its chair.