Trump Announces sweeping military expansion as IRGC’s arsenal collapses

President Donald Trump told FOX Business correspondent Ed Lawrence that he is confident in U.S. security while discussing recent strikes against Iran.

In his first public appearance outside the White House since the NATO summit, Trump said he does not dwell on threats from Iran and is focused on dismantling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which he claims has lost about 90% of its weaponry due to ongoing attacks.

During an exclusive interview with FOX Business ahead of the Defense and Innovation Summit in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the president highlighted U.S. defense gains, economic progress, and a $10 billion private investment pledge for the defense sector.

President Donald Trump speaks with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth upon arrival at the U.S. Army War College Field Landing Zone Wednesday on his way to the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit in Carlisle, Pa. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Trump said the United States is expanding its military through the Defense Production Act and mobilizing companies to restock and replenish forces.

He emphasized that America will watch itself closely, noting the “America First” principle and the rapid construction of new facilities to produce critical weapons such as Patriot and Tomahawk missiles.

“We need to have what we need now rather than waiting a year, a year‑and‑a half, or two years,” he said. “Soon we will be able to obtain it within a week or less.”

President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he arrives for a speech at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at U.S. Army War College Wednesday in Carlisle, Pa. (Alex Wong/Getty Images / Getty Images)

He reiterated his call for lower interest rates, stating the U.S. should have the lowest rates in the world, and voiced support for Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh while anticipating resistance from a “hostile” Fed board.

Trump claimed a surge in manufacturing investment exceeding $19.2 trillion from allies and foreign partners, including Saudi Arabia, as defense firms build new factories and stockpile equipment.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. (Alex Wong/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The president asserted that the U.S. trade deficit has fallen 68% over the past year, attributing the improvement to tariff policies despite ongoing legal challenges.

“Our trade deficit is down 68% in one year,” Trump said. “That’s because of the use of tariffs, and I wish I could use them faster. The Supreme Court said you can’t use them as fast as I was using them, but I can use them actually more effectively by the method we’re doing.”

Looking ahead, Trump said he expects inflation to keep easing through the end of 2026, arguing that oil prices will ultimately decline after a period of volatility.

“I think what’s happening is oil is going to be a little bit of a yo‑yo for a while,” he said. “It goes up a little bit, goes down a little bit. And when this [conflict with Iran] is over, oil is going to drop like a rock.”

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