In 2016, before Donald Trump was elected president, Rivian began building up a stockpile of lithium iron phosphate batteries from a Chinese company called Gotion. This move was reportedly aimed at softening the blow of potential tariffs imposed by the new administration.The company's actions have raised questions about its relationship with Chinese firms and the implications for national security. While the exact nature of Rivian's dealings with Gotion remains unclear, it is known that the company has been working to diversify its supply chain in an effort to reduce its dependence on a single supplier.The decision to stockpile batteries may also have provided a competitive advantage for Rivian, as other manufacturers may not have had the same resources or foresight. However, the exact motivations behind this strategy remain unclear and would likely require further investigation to fully understand its implications.