Hegseth unleashes Trump's 'Arsenal of Freedom' with warning to defense giants

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth put weapons manufacturers on notice Thursday as the Trump administration pushes to cut Pentagon red tape, expand competition and accelerate American weapons production as part of its "Arsenal of Freedom" initiative.In a video shared on X, Hegseth highlighted Washington's drive to overhaul defense procurement, expand private-sector competition and speed up production of advanced weapons systems."The Arsenal of Freedom has been UNLEASHED," Hegseth posted.AMERICA FACES A CRISIS IN OUR MILITARY ARSENAL THAT TRUMP IS RACING TO FIXWar Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing defense contractors to cut red tape, boost competition and rapidly expand U.S.weapons production.

(Jose Luis Magana)The video features missile launches, naval weapons systems firing, ammunition production lines and workers signing munitions for U.S.forces.Hegseth also stressed that performance, not a contractor's name, should determine which companies supply America's military."I don’t care what company is on the side of the rocket.

Don't care.The only thing we ask ourselves is, is it the best?" Hegseth said in the video."The technology that you build for our missiles, interceptors and hypersonic weapons is what allows the War Department to achieve peace through strength," Hegseth continued.

"And that mission comes with a non-negotiable mandate straight from the Resolute Desk and President Trump: build more and build faster."MORE THAN HALF OF SOME US WEAPONS STOCKPILES USED IN IRAN WAR, RAISING CONCERNS ABOUT CHINA THREATA U.S.Navy ship launching Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles is pictured next to Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones.

(U.S.Central Command Public Affairs)Hegseth framed the manufacturing push as central to strengthening American military readiness and deterring foreign adversaries."When we unleash industry—when we at long last unleash the raw, competitive, and patriotic spirit—the United States of America always wins," he said."When we co...