Trump says he will bar defense firms from buybacks or dividends until production speeds up

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he will not permit dividends or stock buybacks by U.S. defense companies until they increase production; defense stocks fell after the posts.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social saying he will not permit dividends or stock buybacks by U.S. defense companies until they increase production. He criticized defense contractors for issuing what he described as large dividends and buying back shares while production lagged. He said military equipment was not being produced fast enough and that the practices would not be allowed until the issues were rectified. Key facts: - The president announced on Truth Social that he would not permit dividends or stock buybacks for U.S. defense companies until production speeds up. - He criticized firms for issuing "massive" dividends and repurchasing stock while saying military equipment was not being produced quickly enough. - Prominent defense contractors saw share price declines after the posts. Summary: The announcement coincided with declines in defense share prices and was framed as a prohibition until production problems are resolved. Undetermined at this time.