Make Japan Great Again: Trump Backs Nippon Steel Deal with U.S. Steel

Trump Approves Controversial Foreign Partnership

Two days after unveiling a new Air Force One gifted by Qatar, former President Donald Trump turned attention overseas again by announcing his approval of a “planned partnership” between Japan’s Nippon Steel and American steelmaker U.S. Steel.

Though Trump made the announcement on social media, details about the agreement remain vague. Reports from the Financial Times suggest the deal involves a $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel.

Promises of Economic Gains

In his statement, Trump claimed the deal would inject $14 billion into the U.S. economy and create 70,000 jobs. He also assured that U.S. Steel’s headquarters would stay in Pittsburgh and that the majority of Nippon’s investment would be completed within 14 months.

Currently, U.S. Steel employs approximately 22,000 workers, including 14,000 in North America.

Trump also announced plans for a “BIG RALLY” at U.S. Steel next Friday to promote the deal.

Support and Opposition

While both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel expressed support for the agreement, the United Steelworkers union (USW) voiced serious concerns.

“We cannot speculate about the impact of today’s announcement without more information,” said USW President David McCall. “Our concern remains that Nippon… will further erode domestic steelmaking capacity and jeopardize thousands of good, union jobs.”

Deal History and Biden’s Rejection

Nippon Steel first announced plans to acquire U.S. Steel in 2023 for $14.9 billion. At the time, the deal faced opposition from President Joe Biden, the steelworkers union, and even Trump himself. The union had hoped for a domestic buyer, such as Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs.

Biden officially blocked the deal in early January 2024, citing national security concerns. He argued that foreign control of one of the largest U.S. steel producers could threaten critical supply chains and infrastructure.

Union Outrage Over Takeover Threat

On Thursday, after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States submitted its findings to Trump, the union renewed its opposition, calling Nippon a “serial trade cheater.”

“Allowing the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon… will be a disaster for American steelworkers, our national security, and the future of American manufacturing,” the union declared.

Trump’s Call with Japan’s Prime Minister

Trump said he finalized his decision after a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba earlier on Friday.