From Dependence to Dominance: Trump DOE Invests in American Critical Minerals
Two years ago, Power The Future released a study titled “Where Green Meets Red,” which raised warnings about relying on China for critical minerals. By obstructing domestic mining projects, the Biden administration cut off access to 49 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as essential for modern technologies.
In a complete 180 from the previous administration, President Trump’s Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to fund nearly $1 billion in projects aimed at strengthening the American critical mineral industry. DOE will offer funding opportunities to support domestic critical mineral extraction and processing. This is welcome news, as the United States currently imports around 80% of its rare earth minerals, most of which come from China.
“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Energy Department will play a leading role in reshoring the processing of critical materials and expanding our domestic supply of these indispensable resources.”
This move not only highlights the Trump administration’s commitment to energy dominance but also to our national security. We must control the minerals we need most because national security begins with energy security.
August 14, 2025