Kremlin Says US Economy Militarizing as Trump Plans Weapon Production at Auto Plants

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that the American economy is undergoing a process of militarization, commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that major automakers such as Ford and General Motors would begin producing missiles, including the Patriot and Tomahawk. At a briefing in Moscow, Peskov explained that the depletion of U.S. weapons stockpiles due to operations in the Gulf and continued arms supplies to Ukraine is driving this shift. Trump had said on June 22 that his administration is launching a large-scale economic campaign to produce weapons, and that General Motors is particularly keen on converting some of its plants for missile production.

Peskov also addressed global oil price volatility, noting that while fluctuations in oil markets are affecting all economies, including Russia's, the country's macroeconomic stability remains solid. He highlighted that the share of non-oil and gas revenues in Russia's budget is increasing, even though oil revenues still play a significant role. Separately, Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will meet with graduates from security and defense institutions and will present the Order of Zhukov to the Presidential Regiment for its 90th anniversary.

In other developments covered during the briefing, U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson announced he would no longer support the Republican Party, accusing it of prioritizing foreign interests over those of Americans. Meanwhile, in China, a collision between a tour bus and an excavator in Hunchun, Jilin province, left three Chinese passengers with minor injuries, but the 24 Russian tourists aboard were unharmed. On the sports front, French footballer Kylian Mbappé scored his 15th World Cup goal, matching Brazilian Ronaldo's record, during France's match against Iraq.