Inside Trump’s economic strategy, with EXIM Bank’s John Jovanovic

Amid a war in Iran, a slowdown in shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and tariff uncertainty, host Christoph Hodel brings you a conversation with John Jovanovic, chairman and president of the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM). In conversation with the Atlantic Council’s vice president for energy and infrastructure, Landon Derentz, Jovanovic stresses the importance of supply chains that are “free, fair, and functioning,” the need for US companies to be competitive, and the role EXIM plays in strengthening those supply chains. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Project Vault, a new initiative to create a strategic critical mineral reserve.

Listen to The AC Front Page Podcast wherever you get podcasts

The AC Front Page Podcast, hosted by Juliette Matos, brings you exclusive conversations with heads of state and government, senior US officials, CEOs, and global decision maker—recorded live at the Atlantic Council’s headquarters in Washington, DC, and on stages around the world. From geopolitics and national security to technology and the global economy, this podcast will keep you updated and informed on the policy debates driving today’s headlines.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Full videos and transcripts of our events are available at AtlanticCouncil.org/ACFrontPage.

AC Front Page Podcast

Newsmakers. Big ideas. Global impact. The AC Front Page Podcast delivers high-level conversations with global leaders shaping the global agenda.

Econographics Mar 12, 2026

By threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran turns geography into a global economic weapon

By Alex Mills

Iran’s threat to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively shut down one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, turning geography into a powerful economic weapon.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Event Recap Mar 6, 2026

Inside Trump’s long-term economic strategy, with EXIM Bank’s John Jovanovic

By Katherine Golden

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Jovanovic talked about the supply chains he is working to reshape, from critical minerals to energy.

Trade and tariffs United States and Canada

EnergySource Feb 25, 2026

Can Project Vault fortify the US industrial base against mineral chokepoints?

By Morgan D. Bazilian and Lt. Col. Jahara “FRANKY” Matisek

Project Vault will help the United States create a stockpile of critical minerals, but its success as a strategic asset will depend on its governance.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

AC Front Page harnesses the convening power and expertise of the Council’s sixteen programs and centers to spotlight the world’s most prominent leaders and the most compelling ideas across sectors. The premier platform engages new audiences eager for nonpartisan and constructive solutions to current global challenges. This widely promoted 45-minute program features the Council’s most important guests and content serving as the highlight of our programming.

Related Experts: Landon Derentz

Image: A worker stands at a small critical minerals refinery developed by a US military-led program, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in this handout photo obtained by Reuters on December 9, 2025. Photo by Perpetua Resources/Handout via Reuters.