Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump’s objection to the sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese firm Nippon Steel Co. for $14.9 billion leaves steelworkers disappointed.
– Trump’s move against the deal faced resistance from union members, including those who supported him.
– Not all union leaders support the deal; United Steelworkers President David McCall opposes it for fears over job security.
– President Joe Biden shares Trump’s opposition to the deal, citing potential national security threats.
– Steelworkers fear the decline of the U.S. steel industry without the proposed investment from the deal.
Trump’s Surprising Opposition
The recent announcement by Donald Trump wanting to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel Co., a Japanese firm, for a whopping $14.9 billion has led to heated backlash. A lot of steelworkers, some of whom supported Trump as president, are frustrated with this unexpected development.
Steelworkers Respond to the News
One of the shocked steelworkers is Jason Zugai, the Vice President of United Steelworkers Local 2227. He voiced his disappointment during a panel discussion in D.C., expressing his surprise and referring to the news as a ‘gut punch.’ Zugai, who actively showed up at Trump’s rallies in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, recounts that Trump did not indicate any intention to oppose the sale at those rallies. Trump had even assured him that he would reassess the deal post-election.
Divided Opinions Amid Steelwork Unions
While most steelworkers, like Zugai, support the deal, not everyone on their side agrees. Several union leaders, such as David McCall, the president of United Steelworkers, isn’t for the sale. McCall specifically expressed his lack of trust in the Japanese firm. He fears that the firm may not protect the steelworkers or follow through on their promise to invest $1 billion into the Mon Valley Works.
Biden Shares Trump’s Sentiments
Interestingly, President Joe Biden, who is vocal about his support for American-owned businesses, is also in opposition to the U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel Co. He suggests the deal could be a threat to America’s national security. Despite this, many steelworkers back the deal. In their view, the partnership and investment might be the lifebuoy the U.S. steel industry needs to prevent a decline, which could cost many their jobs.
Local Government’s Take on the Deal
Even West Mifflin’s mayor, Chris Kelly, is in support of the deal and expressed his disappointment with Trump’s stance on it. He humorously pointed out that Trump seems out of touch with them. He stated that he hasn’t heard from any national politician about investing in the Mon Valley plants if the Nippon deal is blocked. Moreover, he slyly referenced Trump’s vague statement during a September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris to highlight Trump’s often unclear suggestions.
Looking Ahead
In a nutshell, the steelworkers, the unions, and local government are closely watching the developments. They are hoping for the best outcome considering the uncertain future of the U.S. steel industry. With Trump and Biden opposing the deal, it shows that even politics can’t always predict which way the wind is blowing. Therefore, it’s a wait-and-see game for every party involved in this potentially game-changing deal.