Trump Aides Urged Sale of Congo Lithium Claim to a US Company

The article reports that senior Trump administration officials urged the sale of a lithium claim in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a U.S. company. This reflects a new approach by the administration to securing access to critical minerals, which observers describe as a "gloves-off" strategy. The article states that the White House meeting, which included officials from the National Security Council and the State Department, discussed the potential sale of the lithium claim to Berkshire Hathaway's Lubumbashi-based subsidiary, Kisanfu. This is seen as part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to ensure American control over strategic resources, particularly those used in the production of electric vehicles and other high-tech products. The article notes that the Trump administration's approach to critical mineral supply chains has been more aggressive than previous administrations, reflecting concerns about Chinese dominance in this area. The article also highlights the potential geopolitical implications of the U.S. seeking to exert greater influence over the extraction and distribution of these vital resources.