President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act to increase U.S. weapons manufacturing after the recent war with Iran significantly reduced American munitions stockpiles, according to a document signed by the president last week.
In the order, Trump said conditions exist that may pose a direct threat to national defense preparedness, citing limits within the defense industrial base that could affect the country’s ability to replenish and expand critical weapons supplies.
Order Details
The document, addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, points to systemic constraints in weapons production, including limited manufacturing capacity, fragile supply chains, long production timelines, and other bottlenecks.
“These factors may impair the ability of the United States to produce, sustain, and expand the availability of munitions, missiles, and equipment required for the national defense,” the order states.
The move allows the federal government to compel private defense companies to prioritize and expand production tied to national security needs.
Pentagon Concerns
The decision reflects long-standing concerns within the Pentagon about the defense industry’s ability to scale production during sustained military conflicts. Those concerns intensified during the war with Iran, which officials and experts say consumed substantial portions of key U.S. missile inventories.
On Wednesday, Trump described the final days of the conflict as costly, saying that approximately $200 million worth of bombs were used over a two-day period while speaking at the G7 summit in France.
“It is expensive too, by the way, aside from everything else,” Trump said.
Public Statements vs Private Assessments
Throughout the conflict, Hegseth and other Pentagon officials publicly stated that the U.S. military had sufficient resources to support ongoing operations.
On Sunday, three days after Trump signed the order, Hegseth told CBS News that concerns about depleted weapons stockpiles were overstated, calling them “a manufactured story.”
However, internal assessments have raised alarms. A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that the U.S. used at least 45 percent of its Precision Strike Missile inventory, along with roughly half of its Patriot and THAAD air defense interceptor stockpiles.
Broader Impact
Military planners have warned that rebuilding these inventories will take time. CSIS estimates it could take one to four years to restore current levels, with additional years required to expand production capacity.
Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and co-author of the CSIS report, previously warned that high munitions usage has created vulnerabilities, particularly in the western Pacific region.
Before the Iran conflict began, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine reportedly cautioned that a prolonged campaign could strain U.S. weapons reserves.
Use of the Law
The Defense Production Act, enacted in the 1950s, gives presidents broad authority to direct private industry to support national defense priorities. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the law allows the government to prioritize defense contracts, incentivize production of critical materials, and form agreements with private companies.
Trump’s June 11 order directs Hegseth to establish voluntary agreements and action plans under the law, including the creation of advisory committees to support defense production.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the order and referred questions to the White House.
Past Applications
Trump previously used the Defense Production Act during his first term to boost production of medical equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier in his second term, he invoked the law to support domestic mineral production. Former President Joe Biden also used the act to accelerate clean energy manufacturing.
Trump has also criticized defense contractors in recent months, warning in January that he would seek to limit stock buybacks and executive compensation unless companies improved weapons delivery timelines.
The order marks one of the most direct steps taken by the administration to address concerns about U.S. military readiness following the Iran conflict.
