Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the importance of expanding domestic mineral production while supporting President Trump’s strategy of negotiating tariffs directly with China. As trade tensions rise, the administration’s focus is on reducing reliance on foreign minerals through increased mining efforts and regulatory reforms.
Trump Administration Eyes Tariff Deal with China
Direct Negotiation Strategy
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that President Trump is confident in securing a tariff agreement with China. While the president anticipates a resolution “within three or four weeks,” his preference for direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly slowed progress.
Rising Trade Tensions Amid Energy Policy Shift
National Energy Emergency and New Measures
Since taking office in January, President Trump has declared a national energy emergency and initiated multiple actions to bolster domestic production. In March, the administration launched a series of measures, including faster permitting processes, increased developer access to federal land, and expanded loan programs for mining.
Focus on Domestic Mineral Production
Reducing Dependence on Foreign Resources
Burgum highlighted the long-standing regulatory barriers to mining in the U.S., dating back to previous administrations. He stressed that boosting the supply of rare-earth and base minerals is essential for national security and economic competitiveness.
Strategic Messaging on Mining
‘Map, Baby Map’ and ‘Mine, Baby Mine’
Burgum used new slogans to underline the administration’s mining policy: “map, baby map” to refer to locating domestic mineral reserves, and “mine, baby mine” to emphasize developing them. This approach is portrayed as a natural extension of Trump’s well-known “drill, baby drill” energy stance.
Confidence in Trump’s Negotiation Skills
Leadership Framed as a Competitive Edge
Burgum expressed strong support for Trump’s negotiation abilities, citing the former president’s experience and authorship of a book on deal-making. He positioned Trump as uniquely equipped to manage high-stakes economic diplomacy with Beijing.
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