CNN reports, citing six U.S. officials including at least one senior White House official, that President Donald Trump is frustrated by media coverage of low ammunition stockpiles and has tasked the Department of Justice with finding 'traitorous' individuals who leak such information. The network adds that the White House believes the leaks originate from anti-war elements seeking to prevent Trump from opening a new round of conflict with Iran.
A new CNN report Thursday evening, citing six U.S. officials including at least one senior White House official, reveals that President Donald Trump has escalated his response to leaks about ammunition shortages. According to the report, Trump has tasked the Department of Justice with identifying and prosecuting the leakers, whom he has described as 'traitorous.' The White House believes the leaks originate from anti-war elements seeking to prevent a new round of conflict with Iran.
Trump's crackdown has been building throughout the day. At 07:46 Jerusalem, he first responded to reports of an ammunition shortage, claiming the U.S. has a 'vast stockpile' and warning leakers face prison. Within the same hour, he escalated to threatening a 'manhunt' for the leakers and promising long prison sentences. A fourth version of his statement, also at 07:46, declared the U.S. is building 'the largest defense industrial base in history.' The Zioneer published a fuller analysis at 10:48 Jerusalem, noting that while Trump projects abundance, the shortage is likely concentrated in high-end precision munitions and interceptors.
The ammunition disclosure saga comes against the backdrop of looming U.S. military action against Iran. As The Zioneer reported Thursday night, senior White House officials confirmed that a CENTCOM proposal for a two-week air campaign against Iran is on Trump's desk. Trump has previously complained that Iran learned of a planned U.S. attack through leaks, and has expressed frustration with the pace of the Iran conflict. The White House has denied reports of Trump losing patience, but officials have acknowledged growing frustration.
The CNN report is based on six anonymous officials; the White House assessment that the leaks are driven by anti-war motives remains an unverified claim attributed to administration sources.
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