### Trump Approves Controversial US Steel Deal with Japanese Firm

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump visited Pittsburgh on Friday to celebrate a deal he once opposed: the acquisition of US Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel. While addressing a group of steelworkers at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh, Trump touted the agreement as a "blockbuster" that ensures US Steel remains an American entity. Additionally, he announced the increase of tariffs on imported steel from 25% to 50%, emphasizing the importance of using domestic steel over foreign alternatives.

Despite bipartisan opposition, and former President Joe Biden's blockage of the deal on national security grounds, Trump approved the agreement last week. He described it as a partnership, not a full purchase, indicating that Nippon would have partial ownership but the control would remain American. Trump assured reporters, “It's an investment, and it'll be a partial ownership by Nippon. It will be controlled by the United States, otherwise, I wouldn't make the deal.”

David Burritt, CEO of US Steel, and Takahiro Mori, Vice Chairman of Nippon Steel, both commended Trump at a pre-rally. Mori labeled the deal as a "game changer" for future steelmaking, praising Trump for safeguarding American steel. However, they did not clarify the extent of Nippon's ownership following the transaction.

The United Steelworkers union remains opposed to the deal, fearing it represents a complete purchase by Nippon and raises more questions than it answers. They are concerned about the future of union-represented sites and suspect that Nippon's long-term goal might involve shifting production to non-union facilities or importing steel from Japan.

Senator David McCormick of Pennsylvania mentioned that governmental control might be retained through the issuance of "golden shares" in US Steel. This would allow the federal government to approve the company's board members, ensuring that production levels are maintained.

US Steel, once a symbol of American industrial might, has faced years of decline and is no longer the largest US steelmaker. It employs around 14,000 people in the US, with 11,000 members of the United Steelworkers. The deal is seen as crucial to modernizing US Steel's facilities, but concerns remain about its implications for American labor and manufacturing.

Despite Trump's earlier campaign promises to block such deals, he has become more open to the idea since assuming office. In March, his administration extended deadlines in a related lawsuit, and in April, Trump ordered a new review of the acquisition. This decision is met with mixed reactions, as some members of Congress support the deal, while national union officials continue to urge Trump to halt it, citing potential adverse effects on American steelworkers and national security.