Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products

4/15/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Investigation Launch: President Trump initiates a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to assess national security risks from U.S. reliance on imported processed critical minerals and derivative products.
Supply Chain & Economic Impact: The inquiry will evaluate vulnerabilities in supply chains, the economic impact of foreign distortions, and explore potential trade remedies to bolster domestic production and security.
Reporting & Recommendations: The Secretary of Commerce will submit a report detailing risks and providing recommendations to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, with possible tariff adjustments if national security is found to be at risk.
National Security Concerns: Emphasis on the critical nature of rare earth elements and other high-tech materials essential for defense applications, including jet engines, missile guidance systems, and secure communications, with risks amplified by recent export bans from China.
Strengthening American Industry: This action builds on previous measures under the America First Trade Policy, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, and targeted tariffs on adversarial nations, all aimed at protecting U.S. economic and defense interests.
Broader Trade Strategy: The order is part of a series of initiatives (including similar investigations into copper, timber, and lumber) intended to counter price manipulation, overcapacity, and export restrictions by foreign producers, thereby safeguarding U.S. competitiveness and national security.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s focus on reducing reliance on imported critical minerals could lead to increased tariffs and trade tensions, particularly with countries like China. This may result in higher costs for industries reliant on these materials, including technology and defense sectors.
Vanderbilt University may face challenges in research and development if access to critical minerals is restricted or becomes more expensive, potentially impacting projects in engineering, technology, and materials science.
The investigation into supply chain vulnerabilities could lead to regulatory changes that affect the import and export of critical minerals, impacting partnerships and collaborations with international institutions.
There is a risk of economic instability if retaliatory measures are taken by other countries, which could affect the broader economic environment and funding opportunities for research and innovation.

Impacted Programs

School of Engineering at Vanderbilt may need to adapt its research focus to align with domestic production capabilities and explore alternative materials or technologies.
Vanderbilt’s Technology Transfer Office might need to reassess its strategies for international collaborations and intellectual property management in light of potential trade restrictions.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization could play a role in identifying new opportunities for innovation and commercialization in response to changes in the availability of critical minerals.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with defense and technology companies may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with national security priorities and supply chain resilience.

Financial Impact

The imposition of tariffs and trade barriers could lead to increased costs for research and development, particularly in fields reliant on critical minerals and advanced materials.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in funding opportunities, particularly if federal grants prioritize research into domestic production and supply chain resilience.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in alternative materials and technologies, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
As trade policies evolve, there could be a shift in the focus of research and innovation at Vanderbilt, potentially affecting the university’s strategic priorities and resource allocation.

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

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the outcomes of the Section 232 investigation into critical minerals. Understanding the potential changes in tariffs and trade policies will be crucial for anticipating impacts on research funding and collaborations, particularly in fields reliant on these materials.
The School of Engineering should explore opportunities to develop research initiatives focused on alternative materials and technologies that reduce reliance on imported critical minerals. This could position Vanderbilt as a leader in innovation and sustainability, attracting federal and private funding.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for commercializing technologies that enhance domestic production of critical minerals. By leveraging intellectual property and partnerships, the university can contribute to strengthening the U.S. supply chain.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the geopolitical implications of critical mineral dependencies. This research can provide valuable insights into policy development and inform strategic decisions at the university and national levels.
Vanderbilt’s Economic Development Office should evaluate the potential economic impacts of new tariffs and trade policies on local and regional industries. Engaging with community stakeholders can help mitigate negative effects and identify growth opportunities.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to secure funding for projects aimed at enhancing the domestic supply of critical minerals. By aligning research priorities with national security goals, Vanderbilt can attract federal grants and industry partnerships.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on critical minerals by developing educational programs and workshops that address the challenges and opportunities in this sector. This could include interdisciplinary courses and collaborations with industry experts, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation as a thought leader.
The emphasis on strengthening American industry offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Business School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the school can influence trade policy and support economic resilience.
The order’s focus on national security aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to innovation and research excellence. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for students and faculty working on projects related to critical minerals and national security.
By engaging with the broader academic and policy community, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on critical minerals and trade policy. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on these topics can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The executive order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on research funding and trade policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: There is no specific deadline mentioned for the initiation or completion of the Section 232 investigation or the subsequent reporting process.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: The order directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation to assess the national security risks and supply chain vulnerabilities related to imported processed critical minerals and their derivative products.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one key federal agency is directly impacted by this executive action.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Responsible for initiating and managing the Section 232 investigation into the national security risks stemming from U.S. dependence on imported processed critical minerals and derivative products.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect an agency head, which has significant national security and economic implications.)