Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order to secure U.S. defense supply chains with a focus on critical materials and components for advanced military equipment. The Order limits the Secretary of Defense’s ability to issue waivers for sourcing critical materials from certain countries and may require mitigation plans to bring supply chains onshore.
The directive instructs the Department of War to take regulatory actions that require more comprehensive mapping of critical supply chains, as designated by the Secretary of War. Defense contractors are encouraged to qualify new domestic sources and sources from partner nations for critical minerals, materials, and components needed for national security procurements. The Order also seeks to remove regulatory barriers in the qualification process.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the U.S. military remains the world’s most powerful and best-equipped force. Historically, supply chain resilience and domestic production of sensitive materials have been under-prioritized, despite limits on sourcing from geopolitical adversaries. The new Order addresses supply chain risks from physical, cyber, and economic threats.
The Trump administration views this Order as aligned with previous steps to modernize defense acquisitions, spur innovation, and boost American mineral production. Earlier Executive Orders signed by President Trump in 2025 and 2026 addressed related objectives, including streamlining permitting and improving national security.