Trump approves us steel sale with security terms

President Donald Trump has given the green light for Nippon Steel Corp., a Japanese company, to buy United States Steel Corp. for $14.1 billion. This deal, which will create one of the world’s biggest steelmakers, comes with a special agreement to protect U.S. interests. On Friday, Trump signed an order allowing the sale, but only if the companies follow a national security plan.

The agreement, worked out with the U.S. government, ensures the deal won’t harm national security. It includes a “golden share” for the U.S., giving it some control over the company’s decisions. Nippon Steel also promised to invest $11 billion in U.S. Steel by 2028, including a new project to build eco-friendly facilities. The companies say this partnership will bring big investments and keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh.

The sale faced a long review by a U.S. government panel that checks foreign investments for security risks. Trump’s order overturned an earlier decision by President Biden to block the deal. Now, with all approvals in place, the companies expect to finalize the merger soon, before the June 18 deadline. This deal has sparked mixed feelings. Some worry about foreign ownership of a key American company, while others see it as a chance to boost jobs and modernize steel production. The agreement aims to balance these concerns while strengthening the U.S. steel industry.