Trump administration officials have discussed possibly invoking the Defense Production Act to push U.S. defense companies to make munitions faster.
The concern is that a U.S. war with Iran could drain stockpiles needed to defend American forces across the Middle East.
Three people familiar with the discussions said administration officials, in private briefings with Congress, have raised the prospect of using the 1950 law to accelerate production as the U.S. carries out Operation Epic Fury, NBC News reported.
The act can require companies to prioritize government orders for critical items.
President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday, "We have unlimited middle and upper ammunition," while a White House official later clarified that he was referring to the range of munitions.
Trump also said that U.S. munitions are "really powerful stuff" and that defense companies are "under emergency orders" and "are on a rapid tear to build the various things we need."
A White House official later said Trump was referring to his public urging for contractors to move faster.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the military has what it needs for Trump's objectives in Iran, adding that Trump will continue to call on defense contractors to build American-made weapons more quickly.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the War Department has what it needs to execute missions on the president's timeline.
The discussions have sharpened attention on the volume of munitions the U.S. is using to strike Iran and to defend against retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
On Tuesday, the commander of U.S. Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, said, "We've already struck nearly 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 munitions."
A U.S. official and another person familiar with the matter said Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has raised concerns that U.S. air defense stockpiles were lower after defending against Iranian retaliation during what is now known as the 12-Day War in June, and that a sustained defense could put the U.S. at risk.
A spokesperson for Caine said the chair provides military options and associated risks confidentially to civilian leaders.
Administration officials told members of Congress in at least two briefings this week that more munitions are needed and that U.S. production has been slow, according to a U.S. official, a congressional official, and one of the people familiar with the discussions.
A senior White House official said Trump has not discussed invoking the Defense Production Act, but wants contractors to manufacture munitions as quickly as possible.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.