President Trump signed an order to block old electronic waste exports. This aims to boost domestic recycling and critical mineral recovery efforts. The move seeks to counter China's dominance in vital material supply chains. Recapturing minerals already in the US offers a faster solution. This action supports national security and defense industry needs.

Trump’s critical mineral policy faces a severe reality check as US demand dwarfs domestic rare-earth supply.

President Donald Trump signed an export restriction directive to ensure recovered critical minerals and materials are used for domestic national defense and industry.