Trump administration makes critical minerals a national priority through unprecedented government investment strategy

The Trump administration has dramatically expanded the federal government’s focus on critical minerals in 2025, turning an obscure policy area into a central pillar of national security strategy. The U.S. Geological Survey grew the official critical minerals list from 50 to 60 items, adding copper, silver, uranium, and metallurgical coal. These materials are essential for everything from electric vehicle batteries and solar panels to military equipment and computer chips.

What makes this push unprecedented is the administration’s strategy of purchasing equity stakes in private mining companies using taxpayer money. Unlike previous administrations that offered grants and loans, Trump’s government has spent over $1 billion buying minority stakes in companies like MP Minerals and Lithium Americas. This includes a controversial $35 million investment for a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals’ Alaska copper project and deals for lithium mining at Nevada’s Thacker Pass, despite tribal opposition.

The urgency stems from America’s heavy dependence on China, which supplies roughly 80% of critical minerals used in the U.S. Trump’s approach combines reducing regulatory barriers with direct federal investment, including $7.5 billion allocated through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – with $2 billion specifically for national defense stockpiles.

However, experts question whether government equity stakes in unproven mining companies represent sound policy. As one analyst noted, this approach picks winners rather than creating industry-wide support. The administration is also exploring controversial deep-sea mining operations near American territories, despite fierce opposition from Indigenous communities and environmental concerns about disrupting ocean ecosystems.