Ford, GM Could Be About to Make Weapons For the First Time Since WW2

The Pentagon has approached major U.S. automakers, including Ford and General Motors, about helping to expand America's military supplies, marking the first time since World War II that large manufacturers have been asked to contribute directly to the country’s munition stock.

Discussions have been held among senior defense officials and the chief executive officers of General Motors and Ford Motor, people familiar the conversations have said, according to The Wall Street Journal, as the Trump administration looks to boost production of military equipment as the conflicts in both Ukraine and Iran have drained stocks.

Both Ford and General Motors are well known for their contributions to the American war effort during World War II, building aircraft, transportation vehicles, engines and various other necessary parts used in military equipment.

Defense officials have framed the request to automakers as a matter of national security, the Journal reported. Discussions remain preliminary, according to the newspaper, and no official contracts have yet been announced.

The Department of Defense said in a statement to the Journal that it “is committed to rapidly expanding the defense industrial base by leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive advantage.”

Newsweek has contacted the DOD and Ford via email and General Motors via social media outside of regular working hours for comment.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 2:02 AM.