'Long term jail sentences': Trump issues stark warning over 'treasonous' munitions leak claims

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump threatened "long term jail sentences" for officials behind what he called "treasonous statements" after reports claimed the US was running low on key munitions during its war with Iran.

His unusually forceful response came as reports questioned US weapons stockpiles and described a tense exchange with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which White House and Pentagon rejected. 

Trump threatens leakers over munitions reports

Trump lashed out on Truth Social on Thursday, August 6, insisting the US had "massive amounts" of ammunition despite reports suggesting dwindling supplies were affecting military planning.

"Defense companies are building the largest number of plants and factories in our country's history," Trump wrote, though he did not provide evidence or identify the specific weapons involved.

He then turned his attention to those behind the reports, writing: "The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!"

The remarks followed a Washington Post report that Trump demanded answers from Hegseth during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David after learning of alleged munitions shortages. 

According to the newspaper, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the exchange, Trump told Hegseth he believed the problem "had been fixed." 

The report also said Hegseth defended himself while attempting to shift responsibility to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg.

CNN separately reported that shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors had begun constraining Trump's strategy in the conflict, claiming the US military had "nearly exhausted 80%" of its stock of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors.

White House rejects reports, labels them 'fake news'

The White House forcefully disputed the reporting. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the Camp David account on X, writing, "FAKE NEWS!"

"I was at Camp David with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. This literally never happened," Leavitt said.

Seeking to quash speculation about Hegseth's future, she added, "The President loves the Secretary and thinks he's doing a tremendous job."

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, also rejected both the reported confrontation and claims of weapons shortages, calling them "equally fictional."

"Secretary Hegseth isn't going anywhere and he's going to continue to work side by side with Deputy Secretary Feinberg to execute President Trump's agenda, strengthen America's defense industrial base, and ensure our warfighters have every capability they need to deter and defeat any adversary," Parnell said.

Reports deepen scrutiny of wartime messaging

The Washington Post also reported that concerns over shrinking munitions supplies contributed to Trump deciding against additional strikes on Iran despite his repeated threats to hit the country "very hard."

The dispute unfolded as Trump continued projecting confidence about the conflict.

On Sunday, he claimed he had ordered and then canceled "the biggest attack since World War II" because of fresh negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran's foreign ministry denied any talks were taking place.

The Pentagon has also faced criticism over its handling of wartime information, including allegations that it manipulated US casualty figures and failed to hold regular press briefings. 

Reacting to Hegseth's denial of the shortages, MS Now host and former Republican congressman Joe Scarborough wrote on X: "When Hegseth attacks media questions on this extreme munitions shortage as 'fake news', he makes this unforgivable blunder worse. Congress needs to take action. Americans need the truth. Hegseth can't give it. He needs to go."