It is about time U.S. officials began worrying about reliance on other countries for critical resources. For too long, as evidenced by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s State Department approving acquisition of a major amount of U.S. uranium by Russia, there has been a “don’t worry, be happy” attitude.

Recently, President Donald Trump ordered that the government take steps to boost domestic production of some critical minerals, such as platinum and manganese.

Noting we rely on China and Russia for supplies of some strategically important minerals, Trump said that is a national security risk.

Of course it is.

Now, if someone in Washington would just come to the same realization regarding certain manufactured products — steel and aluminum come to mind — Americans might have reason to feel more secure.