Trump Administration Pushes for US Critical Mineral Dominance

Ambitious agenda aims to secure access to key materials amid China's export controls

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Trump Administration is implementing an aggressive agenda to bolster US access to critical minerals and rare earth materials, which are vital for modern supply chains. This reflects growing geopolitical concerns over China's dominance in mining, processing, and export controls for these materials. The administration is leveraging a range of tools, including financing programs, equity investments, and diplomatic initiatives, to attract investment and build domestic production capacity.

Why it matters

Critical minerals are essential for electronics, semiconductors, batteries, and other key industries. The US has become increasingly concerned about its reliance on China, which controls much of the global supply and has used export controls as geopolitical leverage. Securing a reliable and secure critical minerals supply chain is seen as crucial for US economic and national security.

The details

The Trump Administration is directing incentives and financing from agencies like the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, and US International Development Finance Corporation toward critical minerals projects. This includes a $10 billion 'Project Vault' strategic minerals reserve, $1 billion in Department of Energy funding, and equity stakes in rare earth companies. Diplomatically, the US is convening a 'Critical Minerals Ministerial' and negotiating critical minerals provisions in trade agreements with allies. However, companies pursuing these opportunities face legal, regulatory, and operational risks, especially in jurisdictions like Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

  • In April 2025, China announced export restrictions on seven rare earth elements in retaliation for US tariffs.
  • In late October 2025, China agreed to pause several proposed export controls for one year after a summit between President Xi and President Trump.
  • In February 2026, the Trump Administration convened a 'Critical Minerals Ministerial' in Washington with 54 countries and the European Commission.

The players

Doug Burgum

Secretary of the Interior, co-leading the White House National Energy Dominance Council.

Chris Wright

Secretary of Energy, co-leading the White House National Energy Dominance Council.

Jarrod Agen

Executive Director of the White House National Energy Dominance Council, with a mandate to 'cut through the bureaucracy and get projects done.'

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What they’re saying

“Our mission is, in part, to 'cut through the bureaucracy and get projects done.'”

— Jarrod Agen, Executive Director, White House National Energy Dominance Council (WilmerHale)

What’s next

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