USA Rare Earth CEO Engages with White House Amid Market Changes

NEW YORK, NY — Shares of USA Rare Earth increased by 8% in extended trading on Thursday, following comments from CEO Barbara Humpton regarding her company’s communication with the White House. Humpton spoke with CNBC and highlighted the importance of a strong supply chain for rare earth minerals.

Her remarks came shortly after the Trump administration made investments in the rare earth sector. The Defense Department had previously engaged with USA Rare Earth in July about potential partnerships. ‘We are in close communication with the administration,’ Humpton said, emphasizing the company’s interest in collaborating on projects that bolster domestic production.

Humpton underlined the idea that the rare earth supply chain is not a zero-sum game, asserting, ‘It’s going to take a lot of players to build out this marketplace.’ USA Rare Earth is actively developing projects, including a mining operation in Sierra Blanca, Texas, and a magnet production facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Humpton expressed her support for recent deals struck by the Trump administration with other firms like MP and Lithium Americas. ‘What we’re doing is keeping the administration informed of our own plans,’ she noted.

The administration’s initiative aims to reduce U.S. dependence on rare earth imports from China. Secretary of Defense officials have indicated a commitment to strengthen and support the domestic rare earth industry as a means of bolstering national security.