The White House needs critical minerals to replenish weapons stockpiles depleted during the Iran conflict and reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese supply chains. Defense officials and lawmakers have warned that replenishing some inventories could take years given existing production constraints, even as the Trump administration has disputed reports of significant shortages. The White House frequently uses roundtable events to showcase support from corporate executives, surrounding Trump with industry leaders who praise his policies and highlight the administration’s economic priorities. The format allows companies to publicly endorse White House initiatives while giving Trump a platform to emphasize his efforts to boost investment, manufacturing and U.S. competitiveness. The administration says government support is needed to counter decades of Chinese investment that left Beijing dominant in the mining and processing of many strategic minerals.