"President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order intended to boost production of critical minerals in the United States and confirmed a deal to gain access to minerals in Ukraine was still on track.

Trump signed the order behind closed doors at the White House. A spokesperson said the order would streamline permitting to allow for increased mining of the minerals.

The order invokes wartime powers under the Defense Production Act to expand domestic U.S. mining production, according to information shared by a White House official.

In addition, the efforts to increase mineral production may end up including coal, if Interior Secretary Doug Burgum decides that the fossil fuel should fall under the definition of “minerals.”"

Brett Samuels and Rachel Frazin report for The Hill March 20, 2025. [2]