Trump Uses Cold War Law to Ramp Up Critical Minerals Production

President Trump has invoked a Cold War-era law to boost U.S. output of critical minerals vital to industry. The Defense Production Act aims to cut reliance on foreign supplies like those from China. It’s a sweeping move to secure resources for tech and defense needs.

The 1950 law lets Trump direct private firms to prioritize mineral mining and processing. Targets include rare earths lithium and cobalt used in batteries and weapons. He called it a bold step to bring jobs home and counter Beijing’s dominance.

China controls over 80 percent of global rare earth production a chokehold Trump aims to break. The U.S. has lagged despite holding rich deposits of its own. This order could jumpstart dormant mines and factories nationwide.

Industry leaders welcomed the push but warned of long lead times to scale up output. Environmentalists fear lax rules could harm land and water in the rush to dig. The White House insists national security trumps such concerns for now.

The move echoes Trump’s first term when he used the same law for ventilators in 2020. Critics say it’s overreach that could distort markets and raise costs. Supporters argue it’s a wake-up call to rebuild America’s industrial might.

Federal funds may flow to speed projects under the emergency powers granted. States like Nevada and Texas with big deposits stand to gain most. Analysts predict a mining boom if the plan holds amid legal or political pushback.

Trump framed it as a fight against foreign foes exploiting U.S. weakness. He tied it to broader goals of energy independence and manufacturing revival. The minerals race could shape economic battles with rivals for years to come.

Details on which firms or sites get priority remain under wraps for now. The order sets a 90-day deadline to draft a full strategy. It’s a high-stakes bet to reshape global supply chains with America at the helm.