Nippon Steel to invest heavily in U.S. Steel; Trump approves deal following blocked merger

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WHTM) — Nippon Steel will heavily invest in U.S. Steel, as President Donald Trump says he’s reviewed and will approve the deal.

“After much consideration and negotiation, U.S. Steel will remain in America and keep its headquarters in the great city of Pittsburgh,” Trump said in a TruthSocial post Friday. “This will be a planned partnership between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, which will create at least 70,000 jobs and add $14 Billion to the U.S. Economy.”

State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward said the approval marks “a great day for western Pennsylvania.”

“President Trump’s engagement in the Nippon/U.S. Steel acquisition has not only made this the largest steel merger in recent history, but will position the American steel industry to dominate the global marketplace through innovation,” Sen. Ward said. “I am proud of our Pennsylvania heritage that has helped build this county and the grace and grit of the people who have fought and worked hard to keep American great.”

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick weighed in as well, and said he and Reps. Mike Kelly (R-16) and Dan Meuser (R-9) Met with Trump in the oval office Thursday to discuss the deal.

“I have made clear my top priority in any agreement is protecting the jobs of workers in the Mon Valley, in addition to securing renewed investment in Pennsylvania steel jobs and the local economy, while ensuring that U.S. Steel remains under U.S. control,” McCormick said. “This partnership is great for the economy, great for national security, and great for the hardworking people of Pennsylvania.”

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis called the announcement “promising.”

“I want to make sure everyone involved in the deal holds up their end of the bargain,” Davis said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing the promised investments become a reality and the workers receive everything they’ve fought for.”

Governor Josh Shapiro said his office had been engaged with all parties since the merger proposal was announced in 2023.

“Throughout the entire process, I have maintained that my priority was to keep and grow jobs here in Pennsylvania and get the largest investment we possibly could for our Commonwealth — as I expressed to President Trump directly when we discussed this transaction in recent days,” Shapiro said. “Now that President Trump – who has sole decision making authority in the CFIUS process, has expressed his support for the deal – we have the opportunity to deliver historic investments, ensure the future of American steelmaking continues to run through the Mon Valley while the headquarters of U.S. Steel remains in Pittsburgh and have our workers, right here in Pennsylvania, continue leading the world with their skill and innovation.”

Nippon Steel previously made a bid to acquire the once-legendary steelmaker for nearly $15 billion. That deal was blocked by then-President Joe Biden.

The Pittsburgh-based company has plants in Clairton, Braddock, Fairless Hills, West Mifflin, and Munhall.