Trump Takes Bold Action to Strengthen US Mineral Production Amid China Trade Wars
In a bold move, President Donald Trump has invoked emergency powers to strengthen U.S. production of critical minerals, aiming to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign imports, especially from China.
Trump EO – Increase Critical Minerals Production
🔹Our national and economic security are now acutely threatened by our reliance upon hostile foreign powers’ mineral production.
🔹Speed Permitting, Review Regulations, Use of Fed Lands, Improve Funding Access… pic.twitter.com/Hfj8CKTlYc— DogeWatchReport (@DogeWatchReport) March 21, 2025
The executive order, issued under Cold War-era legislation, directs federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, to prioritize mining projects essential to the nation’s security and economic stability, according to the BBC.
The action comes as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, especially over control of key mineral supply chains. China, which holds a dominant position in the production and distribution of many critical minerals, has already imposed restrictions on the sale of certain materials to the U.S.
In response, American businesses are being forced to seek alternative sources for these essential resources.
“Our national and economic security are now acutely threatened by our reliance upon hostile foreign powers’ mineral production,” the executive order states.
It stresses the urgency of increasing domestic mineral production to safeguard the nation’s interests, particularly in light of rising geopolitical challenges.
The order calls for a swift ramp-up in domestic mining efforts. It directs government agencies to expedite the permitting process for new mining and processing projects.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of the Interior is instructed to prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands, ensuring that the U.S. can secure the materials needed for national defense and economic competitiveness.
While the U.S. does possess certain critical mineral deposits, it has long been dependent on other nations, especially China, for a steady supply, the BBC notes. Critical minerals are essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicle batteries to advanced weapons systems.
As competition for these resources intensifies globally, the U.S. seeks to regain control over its own supply chain.
In addition to domestic measures, Trump has been active in pursuing international agreements to access critical minerals. On Thursday, he confirmed that a deal with Ukraine is “very shortly” to be signed, signaling a new partnership to unlock the Eastern European nation’s mineral wealth.
“We’re also signing agreements in various locations to unlock rare earths and minerals and lots of other things all over the world, but in particular Ukraine,” he said.
Beyond Ukraine, the U.S. is also negotiating with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country rich in critical minerals, in a bid to strengthen its supply chain. In a more ambitious move, Trump has even floated the idea of acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory known for its vast reserves of rare earth minerals.
“I think it’ll happen,” Trump said last week, referring to acquiring the territory that is currently under Denmark’s control.
This executive order highlights the growing concern over the U.S.’s reliance on foreign powers for vital resources, particularly as trade wars with China and other nations escalate.
As the global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, it appears that Trump is positioning the U.S. to secure its own future by ensuring that domestic production can meet the needs of its economy and defense industries.
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