Trump Signs EO 14415 on Defense Supply Chains and Critical Minerals

President Trump signed Executive Order 14415, 'Securing America's Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials,' on July 20, 2026. The order directs the Department of War to tighten waivers for materials sourced from hostile nations (including China), requires defense contractors to map and screen their supply chains, and delegates Defense Production Act authority to restrict exports of recoverable critical minerals deemed essential to national defense. Agencies must develop a strategy to accelerate qualification of alternative material sources within 90 days (by October 18, 2026).