President Donald Trump is preparing to waive key Defense Production Act (DPA) requirements, including congressional approval for projects exceeding $50 million, to accelerate domestic production of critical minerals and weapons. The move, expected to be formalized Wednesday, aims to reduce U.S. reliance on China, which dominates global mineral supply chains.
The DPA—a Korean War-era law granting emergency industrial control—was first invoked by Trump in March to bolster mineral output. Current rules mandate congressional oversight for large-scale projects and impose strict one-year deadlines, but the White House will now bypass these under emergency powers.
This mirrors actions taken by President Biden during COVID-19, when he waived DPA restrictions to expedite vaccines and medical supplies. The latest waiver seeks to strengthen U.S. energy and defense supply chains amid rising tensions with China.