Former President Donald Trump made headlines once again with a visit to a U.S. Steel mill outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just as a revised deal with Japan’s Nippon Steel was finalized. The visit, held on May 30, 2025, marked a notable shift in Trump’s stance from earlier this year, when he had vocally opposed Nippon’s original $14.9 billion bid to acquire the iconic American steelmaker.
In front of a crowd of steelworkers and supporters, Trump praised the restructured agreement as a “win for American workers” and “a big moment for U.S. industry.” His visit emphasized the importance of steel to the American economy and national security, themes that have long been a staple of his political messaging.
Background: From Opposition to Approval
Back in January 2025, the Biden administration blocked the full acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon due to national security concerns. Trump also opposed the deal, calling it a threat to American industry. But the newly revised deal, described as a “strategic partnership” rather than a full takeover, appears to have gained bipartisan support.
Instead of a direct acquisition, Nippon will now become a major investor in U.S. Steel, committing over $14 billion into American operations. This includes the construction of a new electric arc furnace mill, which Trump highlighted during his tour of the existing facility.
Key Terms of the Revised Deal
Several safeguards have been put in place to address concerns about foreign ownership:
- Golden Share Clause: The U.S. government will hold a special “golden share,” allowing it to veto any corporate decisions that could affect national security or critical infrastructure. This move ensures that the U.S. retains strategic control over the steelmaker, even as foreign investment increases.
- American Leadership: The company’s headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh. The new agreement guarantees that an American CEO will remain at the helm and that the board will maintain a U.S. majority.
- Job Investment: Nippon has committed not only to maintaining current U.S. jobs but also to expanding the workforce, especially through new construction and modernization projects.
Senator David McCormick of Pennsylvania welcomed the revised deal, saying it struck a balance between attracting foreign capital and protecting American industrial sovereignty. “This is how we strengthen our economic base without selling off our future,” McCormick said in a statement.
Union Concerns Remain
Despite Trump’s optimistic tone and the bipartisan applause, the United Steelworkers union has expressed skepticism. Representatives from the union stated they were not adequately consulted during negotiations and are waiting for more details about long-term job security and wage protections.
“We’ve seen promises before. We need to see real guarantees in writing,” one union spokesperson told local reporters.
Still, Trump emphasized that American steel would remain “100% American-controlled,” citing the golden share provision as a unique safeguard. “We’re not selling our soul. We’re getting investment while keeping control. That’s the Trump way,” he said during his rally-style appearance.
The former president’s visit to the plant also signals his continued interest in winning over Rust Belt voters, a key demographic in both his 2016 victory and his 2020 campaign efforts.