At a packed rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to protecting American industry, pledging that U.S. Steel will not fall under foreign control amid its proposed deal with Nippon Steel.
Speaking directly to workers at the Irvin Plant, Trump announced that his administration would double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, citing the need to defend national industry and jobs. He also revealed that each U.S. Steel employee would receive a $5,000 bonus as part of the deal’s conditions.
Trump assured workers that the company’s headquarters would remain in Pittsburgh and that blast furnace operations would continue at full capacity for at least ten more years. Additionally, he promised no layoffs or outsourcing would result from the partnership, which is valued at roughly $14 billion.
The deal includes plans for $2.2 billion in investments within Pennsylvania and another $7 billion across other U.S. facilities and mining operations. While the proposal is still under regulatory review, it includes provisions designed to maintain U.S. oversight, including a government-held golden share that gives veto power over strategic decisions.
Despite pushback from some labor unions and international criticism over the tariff hike, Trump stood firm on the need to secure America’s industrial future, telling workers, “This company will never stop being American.”