President Trump has invoked emergency powers using Cold War-era legislation to boost domestic critical mineral production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China.
The executive order directs government agencies to prioritize mining projects, provide technical and financial support, expedite permits, and focus on production from federal lands.
This move comes amid escalating trade tensions with China, which recently banned sales of some critical minerals to the U.S. Trump is also pursuing international agreements to secure access to mineral resources in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and has expressed interest in Greenland.