The president of the United Steelworkers union raises objections again, urging Trump to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel
The president of the United Steelworkers union has called on Trump to block the acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel, reiterating opposition to the deal, stating that it would jeopardize American workers and manufacturing. Despite the firm stance of union president Mike McCall, an increasing number of ordinary steelworkers support the transaction, believing it would be a victory for workers. Nippon Steel has promised that if the acquisition is successful, it will invest in US Steel's operations and retain jobs. Workers hope Trump will approve the deal to support their interests
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, the president of the United Steelworkers union has called on Donald Trump to block Nippon Steel Corp.'s plan to acquire US Steel (X.US), reiterating its opposition to the controversial merger proposal. Union president McCall stated in a statement on Thursday: "Allowing US Steel to be acquired by 'habitual trade cheater' Nippon Steel will be disastrous for US Steelworkers, national security, and the future of American manufacturing."
This statement comes as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is expected to submit relevant recommendations to Trump. In April of this year, Trump ordered a new round of review of the transaction.
McCall said, "Since January 2024, President Trump has publicly committed to blocking this deal," adding, "We now urge him to take decisive action to permanently shut down this corporate acquisition that sells out American steelworkers and defend American manufacturing."
This statement may be McCall's "final blow"—he has opposed the acquisition of US Steel by the Japanese company since the deal was announced in December 2023. Despite McCall's firm stance, an increasing number of ordinary steelworkers have expressed support for the transaction, urging Trump to approve the acquisition, claiming it would be a victory for American workers.
Nippon Steel has recently intensified its commitment, stating that if Trump approves the acquisition, it will invest in US Steel operations, including building a new steel mill, retaining existing steelworker jobs, and potentially adding many union jobs.
Jason Zugai, vice president of Local 2227 of the United Steelworkers, said in a phone interview: "We supported Trump during the presidential campaign, and now we hope he supports us and approves this deal. In the Mon Valley area, 95% of ordinary members support this deal and hope it can be completed. This is what we want to say to President Trump: We supported you, and now we need your help."