President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to boost critical minerals production on U.S. soil. His executive order gives Defense Secretary Hegseth authority to jumpstart mining operations, even classifying gold as “critical.” With 70% of rare earth imports coming from China, America’s military tech faces a serious vulnerability. The Pentagon will team up with financial agencies to fast-track mining projects. Environmental reviews? Those might get sidelined. The mineral chess game with China just got more interesting.
Former President Donald Trump flexed his executive muscle on March 20, 2025, invoking a rarely-used Cold War law to boost America’s critical minerals production. The Defense Production Act, typically reserved for wartime emergencies, is now Trump’s latest weapon in his economic battle with China. Classic Trump move.
The executive order gives Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sweeping authority to kickstart mining and processing of uranium, copper, potash, and even gold on American soil. Yes, gold. Because apparently, that’s a “critical mineral” now. The US Geological Survey might disagree, but who’s counting?
China currently has America in a chokehold when it comes to these resources. The US depends on foreign sources for at least 15 critical minerals, with a whopping 70% of rare earth imports coming from China. Beijing knows this power all too well and has already implemented export controls. Ouch.
China’s mineral dominance leaves America gasping for resources while Beijing tightens its export grip.
Under Trump’s order, the US International Development Finance Corporation will team up with the Pentagon to finance new mining projects. This approach mirrors Eisenhower’s successful initiatives in the 1950s when the U.S. provided loans to develop mineral infrastructure abroad. Federal agencies must compile a list of mines for rapid approval and identify federal lands where processing facilities can be built. Environmental reviews? Those might move a bit faster now.
The national security implications are hard to ignore. These minerals aren’t just for pretty jewelry or fancy gadgets—they’re essential components in defense systems, military technology, and electronics. Without them, America’s war machine grinds to a halt.
Interestingly, this isn’t just a Trump thing. Biden invoked the same act in 2022 for battery materials, and there’s actual bipartisan support for reducing dependence on foreign minerals. Even a House select committee recommended creating a critical minerals reserve. The administration aims to address economic and security risks associated with heavy reliance on foreign mineral sources. Turns out both parties get nervous when China controls the supply chain.
Trump was also eyeing potential deals with Ukraine for rare earth minerals, further complicating an already tense relationship with China. The global mineral chess game is on, and America just made a bold move.
