Trump invokes Defense Production Act as GM and Lockheed discuss partnership

DPA move

President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act to speed U.S. munitions production, according to multiple reports, putting wartime-style procurement powers at the center of a broader effort to expand defense manufacturing capacity.

The reporting says Trump signed or dated a memo on June 11 directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use the law’s authority to help address bottlenecks in the munitions supply chain. The Defense Production Act gives the federal government tools to prioritize and coordinate industrial resources for national defense needs.

The move comes as the administration looks for faster ways to increase output of missiles, air-defense systems and other munitions. The reporting frames the step as part of a wider push to strengthen the industrial base after heavy weapons use tied to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon may use voluntary agreements with private industry under the DPA framework as part of the effort. That suggests the administration is not only leaning on traditional contractors, but also trying to organize wider industrial participation.

GM and Lockheed talks

At the same time, General Motors and Lockheed Martin are described as discussing a possible partnership tied to munitions production. The reporting says GM could supply components or other manufacturing support for Lockheed’s weapons output.

The Wall Street Journal reported that GM is in talks to supply weapons parts to Lockheed Martin. Other reports from Investor’s Business Daily, the Financial Times and Barron’s also described the relationship as a collaboration, partnership or defense deal under discussion.

The reporting does not show a signed agreement, and no detailed contract terms have been made public. For now, the talks appear exploratory rather than finalized.

GM’s existing defense arm, GM Defense, gives the company a foothold in military work. That background helps explain why the automaker could be considered a nontraditional contractor as Lockheed looks for more manufacturing support.

Why it matters

The administration’s DPA action signals that the White House is willing to use federal industrial powers to widen the defense supply base. That matters because the Pentagon is under pressure to increase production of missiles and interceptors without creating major new delays.

Lockheed Martin is among the companies trying to expand output of systems including Precision Strike Missiles and THAAD interceptors, according to the reporting. A tie-up with GM could give Lockheed access to additional manufacturing capacity, while also pulling a major civilian manufacturer deeper into defense production.

The move also has market implications. Investors are watching both GM and Lockheed for signs that the talks move beyond discussion and into a formal supply relationship.

What is still unclear

Several key questions remain open. The White House has not publicly released the memo text in the reporting reviewed, and there is no public detail on the full scope of Hegseth’s authority under the action.

It is also unclear whether the GM-Lockheed talks are limited to parts supply or could extend to broader manufacturing support. The reporting so far describes the arrangement as possible or exploratory, not completed.

The next confirmation points are straightforward: whether the White House or Pentagon publishes the memo, and whether GM or Lockheed issues a direct statement on the reported discussions.