Trump Courts West Africa to Challenge China’s Critical Minerals Dominance

U.S. President Donald Trump met with five West African leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

By Frankie Taggart with Becca Milfeld and Lucie Peytermann in Dakar

U.S. President Donald Trump hailed West Africa’s rich natural resources as he hosted five of its leaders Wednesday for a White House summit aimed at fostering trade to counter the growing influence of Russia and China.

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