Trump Strikes Back: Protecting America’s Critical Minerals from Foreign Threats

President Donald Trump has taken a stand to secure America’s future by signing an executive order on April 15, 2025, directing the Commerce Department to investigate the national security risks posed by U.S. reliance on imported critical minerals. This action, authorized under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, targets vulnerabilities in America’s supply chains, particularly the dangerous dependence on adversarial nations like China. By exploring tariffs and incentivizing domestic production, Trump is putting America First, safeguarding economic prosperity and military readiness against foreign manipulation.

Critical minerals, such as rare earth elements, lithium, nickel, and cobalt, are the backbone of modern technology and national defense. These materials power everything from jet engines and missile guidance systems to smartphones and electric vehicle batteries. As Trump’s executive order emphasizes, “Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, in the form of processed minerals are essential raw materials and critical production inputs required for economic and national security” (White House Fact Sheet). Yet, the U.S. produces only a fraction of these vital resources domestically, despite having untapped reserves. This leaves America at the mercy of foreign suppliers, a situation the order warns could lead to “significant shortages and an inability to meet demand” for both commercial and defense manufacturing.

The U.S. has some lithium production, spurred by the government’s push for electric vehicles, but lacks a robust domestic refining industry for metals like nickel, cobalt, and even copper (Reuters). With only two copper smelters in the country, most processing is outsourced to foreign companies, exposing the nation to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. Trump’s order highlights the “significant global supply chain vulnerabilities and market distortions” caused by relying on a handful of foreign suppliers, a risk that cannot be ignored in an era of geopolitical uncertainty.

President Trump’s executive order is a proactive step to address these vulnerabilities head-on. The order directs Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to launch a Section 232 investigation to evaluate the impact of critical mineral imports on America’s security and resilience. The probe will assess supply chain weaknesses, the economic effects of foreign market distortions, and potential trade remedies, including tariffs, to secure a sustainable domestic supply. A draft report is due within 90 days, with a final report 90 days later, ensuring swift action to protect American interests.

The investigation is particularly timely given recent moves by China, which has imposed export restrictions on key minerals like gallium, germanium, antimony, and rare earth metals (White House Fact Sheet). These restrictions underscore the dangers of relying on a single nation, especially one that uses its dominance to exert geopolitical leverage. As the order warns, “The dependence of the United States on imports and the vulnerability of our supply chains raises the potential for risks to national security, defense readiness, price stability, and economic prosperity and resilience.”

At the heart of this issue lies China’s aggressive trade practices, which have long undermined American industries. The executive order accuses foreign suppliers, with China as the prime suspect, of engaging in “widespread price manipulation, overcapacity, arbitrary export restrictions, and the exploitation of their supply chain dominance to distort world markets and thereby gain geopolitical and economic leverage.” China, a top global producer of 30 out of 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey, has been accused by both American and European companies of dumping minerals at cut-rate prices, making it nearly impossible for domestic industries to compete (Reuters).

For instance, China’s predatory pricing in the lithium market has been a significant concern. Last October, even the Biden administration criticized China’s tactics, which crashed lithium prices at a time when electric vehicle demand was already faltering (Reuters). These actions not only disrupted plans by American and European companies to develop their own lithium resources but also demonstrated China’s willingness to use economic warfare to maintain its dominance. The executive order’s focus on investigating predatory pricing and market dumping is a direct response to these tactics, aiming to level the playing field for American businesses.

Mineral	U.S. Production Status	Foreign Dependence Risks
Lithium	Limited domestic production, no refining	Price manipulation by China, supply chain disruptions
Rare Earths	Negligible domestic output, 70% from China	Export restrictions, geopolitical leverage
Nickel/Cobalt	No significant refining industry	Vulnerable to market dumping, supply shortages
Copper	Mines exist, but only two smelters	Reliance on foreign smelting, price volatility

This executive order is not an isolated action but part of a comprehensive strategy to restore America’s economic sovereignty and national security. President Trump has consistently prioritized fair and reciprocal trade, as evidenced by his earlier actions, such as imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and launching probes into copper, timber, and lumber imports (White House Fact Sheet). This week alone, Trump ordered similar investigations into pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports, recognizing the need to secure critical supply chains across multiple sectors.

The administration’s “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” for trade fairness, coupled with a 10% tariff on all countries and higher tariffs on nations with large trade deficits, reflects a commitment to protecting American workers and industries (White House Fact Sheet). By reducing reliance on foreign adversaries and incentivizing domestic production, Trump is fostering job creation and economic growth while ensuring America remains a global leader in innovation and manufacturing.

Critics of the executive order argue that tariffs could increase costs for American manufacturers and consumers, potentially disrupting global trade. Some suggest that building domestic mineral production capacity could take years, and tariffs alone may not fully address the issue. However, these concerns overlook the immediate need to counter China’s economic aggression and secure America’s supply chains. The investigation’s thorough approach, with a draft report due in 90 days, ensures that any tariffs will be carefully considered to balance economic impacts with national security priorities.

Moreover, the administration’s broader efforts to streamline permitting and leverage the Defense Production Act to boost domestic production demonstrate a multifaceted strategy (CSIS Analysis). For example, a separate executive order signed on March 20, 2025, expedites mineral project reviews and prioritizes mining on federal lands, signaling strong support for the private sector (White House Fact Sheet). These actions complement the Section 232 investigation, creating a robust framework to rebuild America’s mineral independence.

President Donald Trump’s executive order on critical minerals is a critical step toward securing America’s economic and national security. By addressing the vulnerabilities in our supply chains and confronting China’s unfair trade practices, the administration is protecting American workers, industries, and the nation’s future. This action reaffirms the America First agenda, ensuring that the United States remains strong, independent, and resilient in the face of global challenges. As the Commerce Department’s investigation unfolds, it will pave the way for policies that restore America’s dominance in critical minerals, safeguarding our prosperity for generations to come.