Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
America’s military uses the world’s most advanced and sought-after weapons. But months of war with Iran have diminished the stockpile, limiting the U.S.' options and ability to defend global allies.
The Pentagon's budget this year is more than $800 billion, Compass Points host Nick Schifrin notes. The Trump administration is asking for $1.5 trillion, in part to address the munitions shortfall. Why is there a weapons shortage if so much money is being spent on defense?
Bill LaPlante, former undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, explains how the Cold War plays a role in today's shortage.
Compass Points from PBS News analyzes prominent international affairs topics and America’s role in a shifting world, breaking down global conflicts, rising tensions, and their implications for U.S. interests. Visit the PBS News website to watch this week's episode.
Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show.
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America’s military uses the world’s most advanced and sought-after weapons. But months of war with Iran have diminished the stockpile, limiting the U.S.' options and ability to defend global allies.
The Pentagon's budget this year is more than $800 billion, Compass Points host Nick Schifrin notes. The Trump administration is asking for $1.5 trillion, in part to address the munitions shortfall. Why is there a weapons shortage if so much money is being spent on defense?
Bill LaPlante, former undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, explains how the Cold War plays a role in today's shortage.
Compass Points from PBS News analyzes prominent international affairs topics and America’s role in a shifting world, breaking down global conflicts, rising tensions, and their implications for U.S. interests. Visit the PBS News website to watch this week's episode.
Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show.
Sign up for Here's The Deal with Lisa Desjardins: to.pbs.org/41q6E8i
Subscribe for exclusive content in our newsletters: pbs.org/newshour/subscribe
PBS News podcasts: pbs.org/newshour/podcasts
Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG
Find more from PBS News at pbs.org/newshour
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/2HfsCD6
Follow us:
TikTok: tiktok.com/@pbsnews
X: twitter.com/newshour
Instagram: instagram.com/newshour
Facebook: facebook.com/newshour
