defense supply chain

President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring U.S. defense contractors to prove they have actively sought alternatives to prohibited foreign suppliers, including China, before obtaining waivers to source critical materials. The order mandates supply chain mapping and supplier risk assessments to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers for military production.

Silicon Valley executives and venture capitalists warn the U.S. defense supply chain is unprepared for modern warfare, citing vulnerabilities in critical minerals, drone manufacturing, and ammunition infrastructure. They emphasize the need for public-private partnerships and modernization to counter China's dominance in rare earth elements and robotics.