What is Trump’s Project Vault?

The Trump administration has launched an initiative known as Project Vault, aimed at establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals. This initiative comes in response to recent disruptions in global supply chains, notably after China imposed restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets. Such actions had significant consequences, including a near-total halt in automobile manufacturing both in the U.S. and globally. By creating this reserve, the Trump administration seeks to safeguard domestic industries against similar future disruptions, thereby ensuring a stable supply of essential materials necessary for various manufacturing processes. The initiative highlights the growing importance of securing critical mineral supplies in the context of international trade tensions and the increasing reliance on technology that uses these minerals. As the global market continues to evolve, Project Vault represents a proactive step towards bolstering U.S. economic resilience and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, particularly in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.