President Donald Trump’s Pentagon has just made a massive move to protect America’s future — and to strike a blow against China’s economic grip on our nation.
The Defense Department confirmed it will spend up to $1 billion on critical U.S. minerals, marking one of the largest strategic stockpile expansions in decades. Officials say the goal is simple: cut off reliance on communist China and secure the raw materials America needs for defense, manufacturing, and national security.
According to reports from the Financial Times, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has already begun ramping up large-scale purchases of metals used in missile systems, fighter jets, radar, and advanced technology.
“They are incredibly focused on the stockpile,” one former defense official told FT. “They’re expanding in a major way, looking for new sources of American-friendly supply, and doing it fast.”
Trump Counters China’s Economic Warfare
This decision comes as Beijing tightens its chokehold on global trade. China recently announced sweeping export bans on rare earths and advanced mineral technology, an aggressive move that rattled global markets.
President Trump immediately fired back — imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports and warning that the United States “will never again be held hostage by a foreign dictatorship.”
“America will build, mine, and manufacture what it needs right here at home,” Trump declared. “We’re restoring independence and strength — and we’re doing it faster than anyone thought possible.”
Massive Mineral Purchases Underway
According to Pentagon filings, the new program includes:
- $500 million in cobalt
- $245 million in antimony from US Antimony Corporation
- $100 million in tantalum
- $45 million worth of scandium sourced through Rio Tinto and additional authorized suppliers
The Department is also evaluating new reserves of tungsten, bismuth, indium, and other rare earth metals vital to missile guidance systems, radar, satellites, and advanced communications.
Currently, the Pentagon’s national stockpile is valued around $1.3 billion — but that number is about to skyrocket. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump earlier this year, provides $7.5 billion for America’s mineral independence plan — with $2 billion earmarked specifically for defense stockpiling through 2027.
Analysts Shocked by the Scale
Industry analysts have been stunned by the scope of the Pentagon’s purchases. “Market participants have been taken aback by the volumes,” said Cristina Belda of Argus Media. “Some of the requested quantities exceed total U.S. annual production — it’s unprecedented.”
While some experts question whether the goals can be met within five years, Trump’s Pentagon remains firm. Officials see this as a race against time to secure America’s defense and energy future before Beijing can tighten its grip.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the Financial Times report — a move analysts interpret as confirmation of the program’s high national-security priority.
🇺🇸 America First — In Action
President Trump’s administration has made it clear that economic strength is national security. This sweeping mineral strategy cements that belief — rebuilding America’s supply chains, protecting U.S. jobs, and guaranteeing our military’s access to the resources it needs to keep the country safe.