U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly had a verbal clash with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting at Camp David over the country’s munitions shortages.
Trump was said to have been unaware of how severe the situation allegedly was and reportedly directed his frustration toward Hegseth.
Despite claims of a feud, Trump and other White House officials have denied the report in separate statements and posts. The controversy also comes one month after Trump’s lawsuit against the media outlet that published the report was dismissed.
According to The Washington Post, Trump confronted Hegseth at Camp David over alleged U.S. munitions shortages during the Iran war, asking why the issue had not been fixed.
The alleged shortages involved key weapons, including long-range missiles and air-defense interceptors, some of which were reportedly depleted during the initial weeks of the war with the Middle Eastern country.
It was also claimed that the reduced stockpiles affected decisions on further strikes against Iran, which Trump allegedly attempted to downplay by citing potential new negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Hegseth was said to have defended himself and blamed his deputy, Stephen Feinberg, for the situation.
Trump Denies Feud With Hegseth, Blasts Washington Post
Aaron Schwartz – Pool via CNP / MEGA
In scathing posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump denied both claims that U.S. weapons stockpiles had been diminished and that he was ever at odds with Hegseth.
Addressing concerns over the stockpiles, Trump wrote that the U.S. has “massive amounts” of munitions and that more were being produced and delivered.
His response to the alleged feud with Hegseth was more extensive and included a direct criticism of The Washington Post over its reporting.
“This rumor was started by the Washington ComPost, one of the worst Media Outlets in the business, despite our telling them their story is completely FALSE. In actuality, I really believe their fake “reporting” is treasonous! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
He also noted that he was “extremely happy” with Hegseth’s performance and described him as a “highly respected” figure within the military.
Trump Takes Action Against Alleged Defense Leak
After promising to take action against leakers within the defense circle, Trump has moved swiftly to do so.
In a post shared by Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesman, it was revealed that the top official, Frank Kendall, had been removed from his sensitive position.
“Effective immediately, the Department of War has REVOKED former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s eligibility for access to classified information and his ability to hold any sensitive position,” read the post.
It further read, “This action follows his unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding Air Force One’s capabilities to a media outlet. Safeguarding classified information is a non-negotiable duty. Those who violate that trust forfeit the privilege of access and any role requiring it.”
Donald Trump Has Long Feuded With The Washington Post
Annabelle Gordon – CNP / MEGA
Trump has long been at odds with The Washington Post and previously sued the outlet through his Trump Media and Technology Group.
At the time, the president claimed that the outlet had been on a “years-long crusade” against him. In their filing, they cited a May 2023 article from the outlet discussing the company’s financing efforts ahead of a merger to take it public.
Trump’s company described the report as an “egregious hit piece” in their lawsuit. The Post did not admit it was a malicious piece but stated that the article in question had been updated with a correction.
The lawsuit was one of several legal battles involving Trump and major media outlets.
Trump’s $3.8 Billion Washington Post Suit Gets Dismissed
Shawn Thew – Pool via CNP / MEGA
The suit in question was worth a massive $3.8 billion but was ultimately dismissed in a ruling by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber last month.
In the ruling, the judge wrote that Trump’s company “failed to present evidence that would allow a jury to find by clear and convincing evidence” that the claims in the article were made with “actual malice.”
A spokesperson for the outlet subsequently stated that they were pleased with the ruling and looked forward to reviewing the written order upon its release.
On the other end, Trump’s company said it was considering appealing the matter, as it believed that “a jury should decide whether these falsehoods were actionable.”
The Donald Trump Reportedly Clashes With Hegseth Over Iran War Munitions first appeared on The Blast