Trump says US rebuilding weapons stockpiles at rapid pace

US President Donald Trump said his administration is rapidly rebuilding America's weapons stockpiles after military assistance to Ukraine. He maintained that the US remains militarily prepared, defended Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and highlighted efforts to expand the country's defence manufacturing capacity.

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration was rapidly rebuilding America’s weapons stockpiles, arguing that military inventories had been depleted by large-scale assistance to Ukraine under former President Joe Biden, while insisting that the United States remained well prepared for any future conflict.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Michigan, Trump dismissed concerns that the United States could face ammunition shortages if another major conflict were to erupt, including in the Middle East.

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“No, we have money. We have a lot of ammunition. Different types,” Trump said when asked whether he was concerned about depleted stockpiles.

He acknowledged that Washington had transferred substantial quantities of military equipment to Ukraine but said his administration was moving quickly to replenish those inventories.

“You know, Biden gave a lot to Ukraine. And so we’re building that up, but we have a lot,” Trump said. “We have a lot of the mid-level stuff too. I mean, more than we could ever use no matter what.”

The President contrasted the current situation with his first term, saying he had inherited limited ammunition stocks from the Obama administration before expanding production.

“When I left, the cupboards were full. When I came here after Obama, he didn’t buy ammunition. We had very little. And I got it built,” Trump said.

“Now, as soon as I left, they gave a lot of it to Ukraine. I mean, numbers that nobody’s ever seen before.”

Trump said the administration had launched a broad effort to expand the US defence manufacturing sector, with multiple new production facilities under construction.

“We’re building it very rapidly. Plants are being built. A lot of equipment’s being built. The Patriots in particular are being built,” he said.

“Every one of our contractors is building four to five plants right now.”

The President said the United States remained in a strong military position despite the need to replenish some sophisticated weapons.

“We’re in very good shape. But, for some of the more sophisticated stuff, we’d certainly like to have more. Biden gave a lot of it away,” he said.

His remarks came as the administration continued to emphasise rebuilding America’s defence industrial base while responding to multiple security challenges, including the conflict involving Iran and continued support for allies.

Trump also defended Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, rejecting suggestions that he had received poor military advice during the recent conflict with Iran.

“No, I think he’s done a great job,” Trump said.

The United States has also undertaken a broader expansion of its defence industrial base since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, increasing production of artillery shells, missiles, air defence interceptors and other munitions.