Trump Approves US Steel–Nippon Deal With National Security Assurances

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially approved a strategic partnership between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel, ending months of uncertainty surrounding the foreign acquisition of a key American industrial asset. The decision, announced Friday through an executive order, follows both companies’ agreement to national security guarantees set by the U.S. government.

The partnership marks the conclusion of a high-profile saga that began in December 2023, when U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel proposed a $14.9 billion merger. The deal faced significant political and regulatory pushback, particularly under former President Joe Biden, who blocked the acquisition citing national security concerns in the final days of his administration.

President Trump initially opposed the takeover, insisting that U.S. Steel remain under American ownership. However, by May, he reversed his position in support of a restructured “partnership.” In a post on Truth Social, he affirmed, “U.S. Steel will REMAIN in America, and keep its Headquarters in the Great City of Pittsburgh.”

In a joint statement, U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel praised the approval, stating the partnership will lead to unprecedented investments in U.S. steelmaking and support or create more than 100,000 jobs. As part of the agreement, both companies have signed a National Security Agreement (NSA) with the U.S. government, committing to invest approximately $11 billion by 2028.

While Trump’s executive order did not detail the NSA provisions, it grants him authority to take further actions if needed to safeguard U.S. national security.

The announcement follows a thorough review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which assesses the national security risks of foreign acquisitions of American companies.