Trump Showcases U.S. Steel Deal with Nippon as "Victory for American Control" at Pennsylvania Rally

Last Updated May - 30 - 2025, 02:32 PM | Source : Fela News

President Trump highlights a revised Nippon Steel deal at a Pennsylvania rally, claiming it keeps U.S. Steel under American control with a $14B investment and U

On Friday, May 30, 2025, President Donald Trump is hosting a rally in Pennsylvania to spotlight a proposed investment deal between Japan-based Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel. Trump claims the arrangement will preserve American control of the historic steel company, which he has described as essential to national security, manufacturing, and the economy.

Initially opposed to Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion takeover bid, Trump has since supported a modified version of the deal. He now describes it as involving only “partial ownership” and insists that U.S. Steel will remain American-run and headquartered in Pittsburgh. However, details about the agreement’s final structure remain unclear, with neither U.S. Steel nor Nippon Steel offering any official confirmation. The White House also withheld further specifics.

Sources familiar with the deal say Nippon would acquire U.S. Steel and commit to investing an additional $14 billion in plants across several states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Alabama. The company would be overseen by a mostly American executive board and include a U.S. government-backed “golden share” giving the government veto power over key decisions.

The United Steelworkers union, long opposed to the acquisition, remains skeptical. It argues that Nippon has consistently stated it would only invest if it had full ownership and doubts whether the new version offers any substantial departure from the original bid.

Trump has made reviving U.S. manufacturing a central focus of his second term. The outcome of the U.S. Steel deal could have significant political consequences, particularly in key swing states like Pennsylvania. Trump said he would not approve any arrangement that doesn’t ensure U.S. Steel stays under American control.

Support for the new plan has begun to emerge. Republican Senator David McCormick praised the agreement as beneficial for national security, jobs, and steel production. He added that the “golden share” would give the U.S. influence over board decisions. Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman, a vocal opponent of the initial bid, took some credit for forcing Nippon to boost its investment by $14 billion.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, expressed cautious optimism, while Chris Kelly, mayor of West Mifflin—home to a U.S. Steel facility—called the deal a “lifeline” for local jobs.

Despite bipartisan interest and Trump’s celebration of the deal, many key questions—especially regarding the precise terms of ownership and control—remain unanswered.