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Pentagon Forms 'Deal Team Six' to Counter China's Rare Earth Dominance

May 14, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

Pentagon forms 'Deal Team Six' to challenge China's rare earth grip.
Goal is to create independent source for rare earth elements and magnets.
Team aims to prevent supply chain disruptions like 2023 trade war.

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Strategic Implications

The Pentagon's initiative may signal a shift in US strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals, which could have significant implications for the global supply chain and trade dynamics. This move suggests the US is taking a proactive approach to securing its access to rare earth elements, which could benefit the US defense industry and other sectors reliant on these materials.

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What Happened

US Seeks Independent Source For Critical Minerals Amid Trade Tensions

A team of former Wall Streeters, known as ‘Deal Team Six’, is working from an office near the White House to help the Pentagon challenge China’s dominance in the rare earth market. Their goal is to create an independent source for the rare earth elements and magnets used in various products, including missiles and microwave ovens. This effort comes after China cut off supplies during the 2023 trade war, forcing President Donald Trump to back down. The initiative was reported by Bloomberg.

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