Trump orders new review of Nippon’s bid for U.S. Steel

He’s asking for feedback from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States within 45 days.

President Donald Trump has ordered a new review of Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel.

In a memo sent Monday to multiple government officials, Trump asked for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to conduct a review of the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon to assist the president “in determining whether further action in this matter may be appropriate.”

“Within 45 days of the date of this memorandum, CFIUS shall submit a recommendation to me (Trump) describing whether any measures proposed by the parties are sufficient to mitigate any national security risks identified by CFIUS,” the memo reads. “This recommendation shall include a statement describing each member agency’s position, including the reasons for such position.”

U.S. Steel issued a statement saying that it’s pleased with the news and looks forward to continuing to work with Trump.

“Today’s decision by President Trump is pivotal as we work to deliver on new and historic levels of investment in American steelmaking,” the company’s statement reads. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with President Trump and his Administration to finalize this significant and important investment, which will preserve existing jobs, create new jobs, enhance national security, and secure a bright future for American manufacturing.”

Trump campaigned last year in opposition to the deal, saying the acquisition of the company by a foreign firm would hurt American manufacturing. In February, Trump suggested that Nippon would invest in U.S. Steel instead of buying it.

In December, CFIUS sent a report to former President Joe Biden regarding the U.S. Steel purchase and its national security concerns. However, CFIUS members could not agree on whether the $14.9 billion acquisition posed any national security issues.

On Jan. 3, Biden issued an order blocking the purchase and leaving the next step to Trump.

Nippon and U.S. Steel have already sued Cleveland-Cliffs, its CEO, and the head of the United Steelworkers union, claiming they were trying to monopolize the steel market and sabotage the acquisition. They also sued the federal government, stating that Biden blocked the deal to serve his political agenda.

In 2023, Cleveland-Cliffs tried to purchase U.S. Steel for $7 billion, but the deal was rejected.

Nippon previously pledged $2.7 billion in new investments for U.S. Steel’s unionized operations in the Mon Valley and other U.S. Steel locations. In March, Nippon proposed increasing the investment amount to $7 billion.

The Breathe Project, a Pittsburgh-based organization that advocates for clean air quality, also released a statement Monday. Breathe Project’s Executive Director Matthew Mehalik had several questions regarding the new CFIUS review.

“What, specifically, is being proposed with these investments in terms of plant designs and operations?” Mehalik asked in the statement. “To what extent will these investments address ongoing, negative health impacts from outdated facilities WHILE ALSO addressing associated climate pollution that will guarantee the investments will not become stranded assets in the near future?

“To what extent are impacted community members being consulted in these discussions, not just proxy representatives receiving campaign money from U.S. Steel? To what extent will the $7 billion involve investments in the communities themselves where the plants are located to address past and present neglected health, infrastructure, and quality of life needs of Mon Valley Communities?”

Mehalik said Nippon’s plan lacks specifics about improving the health needs of surrounding communities due to leaking factories. He adds that more community involvement is needed.

“The Breathe Project recommends that U.S. Steel and regional leadership consider and include the voices of the residents of the Mon Valley — not just the politicians who depend upon the company for campaign contributions — in conversations for what is good for the community and for business,” Mehalik said.

The Associated Press and TribLive contributed to this article.