President Trump announces a new $14 billion partnership between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel that promises 70,000 jobs while ensuring the iconic American company remains under U.S. control.

At a Glance

• Trump brokered a “planned partnership” between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel expected to create at least 70,000 American jobs
• The $14 billion deal ensures U.S. Steel remains under American control while keeping its headquarters in Pittsburgh
• The majority of Nippon Steel’s investment will occur within the next 14 months
• Nippon Steel has committed to no layoffs and maintaining the U.S. Steel brand
• The United Steelworkers union initially opposed the deal, citing concerns about Nippon Steel’s trade practices

America First: U.S. Steel to Remain Under American Control

After 17 months of lobbying by Japan’s Nippon Steel to gain control of United States Steel, President Donald Trump has announced a compromise solution that protects American interests while inviting foreign investment. The deal represents a significant shift from the Biden administration’s previous rejection of the acquisition on national security grounds. Trump emphasized that despite Nippon Steel’s financial involvement, the iconic American company would not fall under foreign control.

“It will be controlled by the United States. Otherwise, I wouldn’t make the deal,” said President Donald Trump. “It’s an investment and it’s a partial ownership, but it will be controlled by the USA.”

This carefully negotiated arrangement aims to balance America’s industrial security with the benefits of international cooperation. Trump’s administration directed a thorough review of the deal’s national security implications before giving approval, ensuring that crucial American steelmaking capabilities remain protected. The President personally highlighted that U.S. Steel will “remain American” despite the partnership.

I applaud @realDonaldTrump , Secretary Bessent, and other senior administration officials in achieving this huge victory for America and the U.S. Steel Corporation. 
 
Only Donald Trump could have made this happen and I’m grateful to him for having me, Congressman Mike Kelly…

— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) May 23, 2025

Economic Boost for Pittsburgh and Beyond

The partnership promises significant economic benefits for American workers and communities. The $14 billion investment is projected to create at least 70,000 new jobs across the steel industry and related sectors. Pittsburgh stands to benefit considerably as Trump confirmed that U.S. Steel will maintain its headquarters in the Steel City, preserving its historic connection to American industrial heritage.

“After much consideration and negotiation, U.S. Steel will remain in America and keep its headquarters in the great city of Pittsburgh,” said Donald Trump.

The timeline for implementation appears aggressive, with the majority of Nippon Steel’s investment scheduled to occur within the next 14 months. This rapid deployment of capital could quickly energize local economies in steel-producing regions. Both companies have expressed approval of the President’s decision, with Nippon Steel describing the partnership as transformative for both U.S. Steel and the broader American steel industry.

Labor Concerns and Commitments

The United Steelworkers union initially stood firmly against the proposed takeover, citing concerns about Nippon Steel’s trade practices. Union leaders expressed skepticism about trusting an essential American industry to a foreign company with a history of what they consider unfair trade activities. Their opposition represented a significant hurdle to the deal’s completion.

“It is simply absurd to think that we could ever entrust the future of one of our most vital industries—essential to both national defense and critical infrastructure — to a company whose unfair trade practices continue to this day,” said David McCall of the United Steelworkers.

To address these concerns, Nippon Steel has made several key commitments as part of the partnership agreement. The Japanese company has pledged not to conduct layoffs, preserving American jobs in the steel sector. Additionally, Nippon Steel will maintain the U.S. Steel name and branding, recognizing the iconic status and heritage of the company in American industrial history. These guarantees appear designed to alleviate fears about foreign influence while securing the economic benefits of international investment.

Remaining Questions About the Deal

Despite the announcement, some uncertainty remains about the exact nature of the partnership. Investors, executives, and diplomats are still seeking clarity on specific details of the arrangement. Trump’s announcement did not explicitly endorse Nippon Steel’s previously proposed $14.1 billion cash takeover of U.S. Steel, suggesting that the final agreement may differ substantially from earlier proposals.

The panel of federal agencies that reviewed Nippon Steel’s plan at Trump’s request has not publicly disclosed the full details of their findings or recommendations. This lack of transparency has left some stakeholders with questions about how American control will be maintained while allowing for significant Japanese investment. The coming weeks will likely bring additional details as both companies work to finalize and implement their “planned partnership” under the framework established by the Trump administration.