Now this is what real leadership looks like. President Donald J. Trump, during his visit to Japan, has once again proven that America First doesn’t mean America alone—it means America leading. On Tuesday, Trump and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a framework agreement to secure the global supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements, the lifeblood of modern technology, defense, and energy.
While the Biden crowd once talked about “green energy independence,” it’s Trump who’s actually doing something about it. This agreement strengthens both nations’ access to rare earths—key materials used in electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and military hardware. In other words, everything that keeps both our economies (and defenses) running strong.
The White House made it clear: the U.S. and Japan will cooperate using smart economic tools, coordinated investments, and pro-growth deregulation to build fair and diversified global markets for these resources. Translation? We’re cutting red tape and fighting back against China’s market manipulation—something that should’ve happened years ago.
Let’s not forget, China currently processes over 90% of the world’s rare earths, and they’ve been using that control as a geopolitical weapon. They’ve even expanded export curbs and tightened oversight to punish nations that dare to challenge their dominance. But Trump isn’t backing down. Instead, he’s striking strategic alliances to make sure the U.S. and its allies can stand on their own two feet—without begging Beijing for minerals every time we need to build a chip or a missile.
The deal also includes plans to streamline permitting and deregulate mining operations, making it easier and faster for companies to produce and process these critical materials. Imagine that—an administration that actually trusts industry to get things done.
And here’s the kicker: both nations are also considering joint stockpiling arrangements and collaborating with other partners to strengthen global supply chains. That’s how you build real economic resilience. Not with speeches, not with climate pledges—but with action.
As Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week, the message couldn’t be clearer: America will not be bullied or dependent on China’s stranglehold over critical resources.
This deal isn’t just about minerals—it’s about sovereignty, security, and strength. And under Trump’s leadership, America is once again putting those first.
Smart policy. Strong alliances. Real results. Exactly what we’ve come to expect when President Trump’s in charge.
