Policymakers often disregard the basic economic principle of scarcity, for they prefer making promises to making hard choices.
It turns out that this principle applies even in places hitherto treated as exempt from it, such as weapons manufacturing.
According to Politico, Pentagon officials have frozen some missile and munitions shipments to Ukraine over fears of diminishing U.S. stockpiles, a move that White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly described as designed to “put America’s interests first.”
The halted shipments included “a mix of air defenses and precision weapons that have been flowing to Ukraine for much of the past two-plus years,” per Politico.
Moreover, the decision came amid heavy Russian bombardment of Ukrainian civilian targets, including the capital city of Kyiv. Over the weekend, Russian forces reportedly launched 60 missiles and 477 drones and decoys.
Of course, as they often do, America’s elected officials have clamored for more weapons shipments to foreign countries.
For instance, Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, touted the weapons as life-saving for Ukraine’s people.
“U.S.-made air defense systems, including the Patriot platform, are the centerpiece of Ukraine’s defenses. … They work. They save lives every day,” Kaptur said.
She also chided Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, who reportedly spearheaded the decision.
Is this a good move?
“If this reporting is true, then Mr. Colby …is taking action that will surely result in the imminent death of many Ukrainian military and civilians,” Kaptur added.
Of course, President Donald Trump’s administration took a different view of it.
According to Kelly, the Pentagon made this decision “to put America’s interests first following a DOD review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”
Meanwhile, Colby framed the decision as driven not only by scarcity but also by strategy.
“The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end. At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness for Administration defense priorities,” Colby said Tuesday, per The Hill.
Generally speaking, many anti-establishment Republican voters have expressed frustration with America’s seemingly limitless commitment to Ukraine.
Thus, many Trump supporters on the social media platform X greeted the Pentagon’s decision with approval.
“[Former President Joe] Biden sent billions to Ukraine, leaving the U.S. vulnerable,” one self-described “MAGA” supporter wrote.
Pentagon HALTS some weapons shipments to Ukraine after Biden depleted US munitions stockpiles!
The Trump administration found dangerously low levels of artillery rounds, air defense missiles, & precision munitions.
Biden sent billions to Ukraine, leaving the U.S. vulnerable.😡 pic.twitter.com/oQtECOgjZr
— 🇺🇸 Pecan 🇺🇸 (@PecanC8) July 1, 2025
Why are we still sending anything?
— MAGAGODZILLA (@MAGAGODZILLA1) July 1, 2025
Why has U.S. been so interested & involved with Ukraine?
— EM (@iASKiSEEKiKNOCK) July 2, 2025
One senses, of course, that if most Americans were to support any type of weapons being shipped overseas, air defense systems designed to protect civilians would certainly be among them.
On the whole, however, this story leaves three strong impressions.
First, Colby’s statement about Trump providing Ukraine aid “consistent with [the president’s] goal of bringing this tragic war to an end” spoke volumes. Clearly Trump does not view America’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense as one that should last in perpetuity.
Second, why does Congress have a “Ukraine Caucus”? It seems that many elected officials work harder to protect foreigners’ interests than those of American citizens.
Finally, speaking of Americans’ interests, no one wants depleted stockpiles, particularly when those weapons protect civilians.
In short, when Colby referred to “Administration defense priorities,” he meant Americans first.
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