Steelworkers Leader Calls on Trump to Dismiss Nippon Acquisition Proposal

The head of the United Steelworkers, David McCall, is urging president Trump to reject Nippon Steel Corp.’s attempt to acquire United States Steel Corp. His stance against this merger remains firm.

This call comes as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. prepares to present its findings after a review ordered by Trump in April.

“Letting Nippon take over US Steel would be catastrophic for American steelworkers and our national interests,” McCall declared on May 22.

“Trump has promised since early last year to stop this deal,” he added. “We need him to take strong action now and protect American jobs from this corporate takeover.”

This might be one of McCall’s last statements against the proposed sale that was first announced back in December 2023.Despite his opposition, many steelworkers are actually backing the acquisition, believing it could benefit American laborers.

Nippon Steel has recently sweetened its offer by promising significant investments into US Steel if they gain approval for their takeover—this includes plans for a new steel mill and commitments to preserve existing jobs while creating additional union positions.

“We backed president Trump during his campaign; now we hope he’ll support us by approving this deal,” said Jason Zugai, Vice President of United Steelworkers Local 2227 during a phone chat. “In our area—the Mon Valley—95% of workers are in favor of moving forward with this deal. that’s what I want Trump to hear: we stood by you; now we need your support.”