China, with whom Trump has threatened a trade war, is the world's largest producer of rare earths and many other critical minerals. Trump has also expressed interest in making Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark which also sits on large rare earth deposits, a part of the U.S. since his reelection.

US President Donald Trump has said he wants access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits in exchange for future military aid that Kyiv needs as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.