Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat to National Security from Imports of Copper

February 25, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Investigation Launch: President Trump signed an Executive Order on February 25, 2025, to investigate the national security and economic risks posed by copper imports.
Section 232 Investigation: The Order directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to assess dependency on imported copper and vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
National Security Concerns: Highlights risks to U.S. defense capabilities, infrastructure development, and technological innovation due to overreliance on foreign copper.
Copper’s Critical Role: Emphasizes copper’s vital importance in defense applications, clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics; noting it as the Defense Department’s second-most utilized material.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Points to inadequate U.S. smelting and refining capacity compared to global competitors like China, with U.S. dependency rising from virtually 0% in 1991 to 45% in 2024.
Trade Policy and Industry Strengthening: Connects the Order to broader “America First” trade policies, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, and Chinese imports, and initiatives like the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” and safeguards for American innovation.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s focus on securing America’s copper supply could lead to increased tariffs or trade restrictions, impacting industries reliant on copper, including those in technology and infrastructure. This may result in higher costs for materials and potential supply chain disruptions.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of these trade policies on research and development, particularly in fields related to clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics, which heavily rely on copper.
The potential for increased domestic copper production could create opportunities for research partnerships and funding in areas such as mining technology and environmental impact assessments.
There is a risk that the focus on domestic copper production could lead to environmental and regulatory challenges, which may require expertise from Vanderbilt’s environmental science and policy programs.
The emphasis on national security and economic stability may lead to increased government funding for research in defense applications, presenting opportunities for Vanderbilt’s engineering and technology programs.

Impacted Programs

School of Engineering at Vanderbilt may see increased demand for expertise in materials science and engineering, particularly in developing alternatives to copper or improving domestic production technologies.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Program could play a crucial role in assessing the environmental impacts of increased domestic copper mining and refining activities.
The Office of Research might need to adjust its strategies to align with new funding opportunities related to national security and industrial resilience.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with industries reliant on copper may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new trade policies and supply chain strategies.

Financial Impact

The implementation of tariffs and trade restrictions could lead to increased costs for copper-dependent projects, potentially affecting budget allocations for research and development at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding landscape, particularly if federal grants prioritize research in national security and industrial resilience.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research in alternative materials and technologies that reduce reliance on imported copper.
As domestic copper production becomes a priority, there could be a shift in the focus of research collaborations and partnerships, potentially affecting revenue streams and strategic initiatives.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Engineering Department should explore research opportunities in copper-related technologies, particularly in clean energy and advanced electronics, to align with national priorities and potentially secure federal funding.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in trade policies and tariffs related to copper imports, as these could impact research funding and partnerships with industries reliant on copper.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should conduct studies on the implications of trade policies on national security and economic stability, providing insights that could influence policy discussions and decisions.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for innovation in copper smelting and refining technologies, which could lead to new patents and commercial opportunities.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to engage in projects that enhance the resilience of the domestic copper industry, potentially leading to collaborations with government and industry partners.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on national security by developing programs and partnerships that address the technological needs of the defense sector, particularly those involving copper-based applications.
The emphasis on reducing reliance on foreign copper imports aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, offering a platform to lead initiatives in recycling and efficient resource utilization.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order suggests major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to potential impacts on research funding and industry partnerships.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: The document does not specify any deadlines or enforceable time limits for the investigation or subsequent actions, merely stating that the investigation will culminate in a report.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: The Secretary of Commerce is directed to launch a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act, focusing on the national security risks and economic stability surrounding copper imports.
Department of Defense: Highlighted by the emphasis on copper’s crucial role in defense applications, its operational security and infrastructure needs could be compromised by overreliance on imported copper.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only two Federal Agencies are directly impacted by this Executive Order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Responsible for initiating and overseeing the Section 232 investigation to assess national security risks stemming from copper imports.

Relevance Score: 5 (Impacts a Cabinet official responsible for key economic and national security directives.)