The United States is struggling to meet a January 1, 2027 deadline to end reliance on Chinese and certain other foreign critical minerals, despite major federal investment. President Donald Trump has framed domestic mining and processing of rare earths and other strategic materials as a national security priority since returning to office, directing tens of billions of dollars to nearly 150 U.S. minerals companies. However, industry capacity still lags demand, forcing reliance on imports. Trump has condemned previous waiver practices and, in mid-May, ordered federal agencies to “buy American,” followed last week by an executive order tightening waiver rules for defense contractors.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.