Defense

Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 101 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, on Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials

This memorandum invokes the Defense Production Act (DPA) Section 101 to declare that recoverable critical minerals and materials (such as black mass, end-of-life rare-earth magnets, and scrap) are essential to national defense and that the U.S. cannot meet defense needs without disrupting civilian markets. It directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue regulations and take actions—including priority contracts and supply-chain interventions—to rapidly expand domestic recovery and processing of these materials, while explicitly excluding copper scrap already covered by a separate proclamation.

Further Strengthening Actions Taken to Adjust Imports of Aluminum into the United States

This proclamation modifies the Section 232 tariff regime on aluminum imports by authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program that incentivizes new U.S. investment in primary aluminum production. Companies with approved onshoring plans can import primary aluminum at half the standard Section 232 duty rate, up to the anticipated annual output of their new or expanded facilities, with construction required to start by January 20, 2029. The action aims to boost domestic primary aluminum supply for national security and defense industrial base needs.

Securing America’s Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials

This executive order restricts waivers for foreign-sourced critical materials in defense contracts, effective January 1, 2027, and mandates that defense contractors map their supply chains from raw materials to end products, vet subcontractors for risks, and prohibit covered materials from unreliable foreign suppliers. It directs the Secretary of War to enforce strict compliance, including requiring mitigation plans for any non-compliant materials and establishing penalties for fraud or willful noncompliance.

Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Chemical Manufacturing Security

President Trump issued a proclamation exempting certain chemical manufacturing facilities from compliance with the EPA's HON Rule for two years, citing unavailability of required technology and national security concerns. The exemption delays emissions-control deadlines and maintains pre-HON Rule standards for listed stationary sources, invoking authority under Clean Air Act section 112(i)(4).

Modifying the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

This proclamation revokes the 2021 expansion of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, reducing its size from approximately 1.87 million acres to about 181,541 acres. It cites the Antiquities Act to argue that the prior expansion was not confined to the smallest area needed to protect objects of historic or scientific interest, and it emphasizes the presence of critical minerals (e.g., uranium, cobalt, copper) that are vital to economic and national security. The action directs the Bureau of Land Management to manage the reduced monument and opens the removed lands to potential mining and energy development.

Adjusting Imports of Commercial Aircraft, Jet Engines, and Aircraft and Engine Parts into the United States

The President has determined that imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and their associated parts threaten national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Rather than imposing immediate tariffs, the President directs the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to pursue negotiations with foreign trading partners to adjust imports, with a progress report due in 180 days, while reserving the right to consider alternative remedies (including tariffs) depending on the outcome.