CNN and The Wall Street Journal report that President Donald Trump was furious about the disclosure of the US ammunition shortage and ordered a leak investigation to find who briefed the media. According to the reports, Trump was aware of the stockpile situation but was angered by its exposure at a critical turning point in the war against Iran.
CNN and The Wall Street Journal reported Friday morning that President Donald Trump was furious about the disclosure of the US ammunition shortage and has ordered a formal leak investigation to identify who briefed the media. The reports say Trump was aware of the stockpile situation but was angered by its exposure at a critical turning point in the war against Iran.
The development follows a series of reports on Thursday, Aug 6, at 07:46 Jerusalem, in which Trump threatened to hunt down 'traitorous' leakers and vowed long prison sentences. He later claimed the US has a 'vast stockpile' of ammunition and that defense production is expanding. By Thursday morning, CNN and WSJ had already reported that Trump ordered an investigation. Earlier this morning, at 09:41 Jerusalem, a report said Trump complained that the ammunition stock disclosures make the United States look weak.
The reports come amid a broader pattern of frustration from Trump over the war effort. As The Zioneer reported on Jul 30, NBC reported that Trump lost patience with the Iran war, though the White House denied it. The Zioneer also reported on Aug 6 that the Washington Post described a confrontation between Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the missile shortage at Camp David. Bloomberg reported on Jul 24 that Trump is frustrated with the war and seeking to exact a price from Tehran.
The identity of the alleged leaker and the scope of the investigation remain unclear. It is also not known whether the probe will be conducted by the Justice Department or another agency.
8 developments
- StrongNBC: Trump lost patience with Iran war, White House denies report
- DevelopingTrump warns leakers of munitions shortage reports could face long prison sentences
- DevelopingWhite House sources: Trump furious his strikes on Iran are seen as insufficient
- StrongTrump: US has 'endless stockpile' of ammunition, 'we always want more'
Source and signal
- Open-source intake