President Donald Trump announced his approval of the "planned partnership" between U.S. Steel and Japan's Nippon Steel, indicating the company will remain in Pittsburgh and is projected to generate at least 70,000 jobs. Trump communicated via Truth Social that U.S. Steel would "REMAIN in America" and maintain its headquarters in Pittsburgh. He emphasized that the name 'United States Steel' would once again be synonymous with greatness. The partnership is expected to infuse $14 billion into the U.S. economy, with the majority of the investment occurring within 14 months. Trump's tariff policies, he asserted, would ensure that steel is "MADE IN AMERICA." He also announced a rally at the U.S. Steel facility in Pittsburgh.

Nippon Steel, the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker, initially announced its intent to purchase U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion in December 2023, a deal approved by U.S. Steel shareholders. However, President Joe Biden initially opposed the deal, citing national security concerns. Biden stated that U.S. Steel, as an iconic American company, should remain entirely American, echoing similar sentiments during a speech at the United Steelworkers headquarters in Pittsburgh. He blocked the acquisition to maintain a domestically owned steel industry critical for U.S. security and resilient supply chains.

Trump, during his 2024 presidential campaign, initially shared Biden's concerns regarding Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel but later shifted his stance. He ordered a new review of the proposed acquisition deal on April 7, directing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to assess potential national security risks and provide recommendations within 45 days. While previously opposing foreign ownership, Trump expressed openness to Japanese investment. He noted that Nippon Steel would "invest heavily in U.S. Steel, as opposed to [owning] it," welcoming the proposed capital infusion. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted that Japanese technology would be provided, improving the quality of products manufactured in the United States.

U.S. Steel Corporation issued a statement expressing appreciation for President Trump’s leadership, noting that the partnership with Nippon Steel would bring substantial investment, new technologies, and thousands of jobs over the next four years. The company affirmed its commitment to remaining American and growing stronger through this partnership.

Despite Trump’s statement, it remained ambiguous whether he fully approved Nippon Steel’s bid, even after previously vowing to block it. However, investors reacted positively, significantly increasing U.S. Steel’s shares. Josh Spoores, head of steel Americas analysis for CRU, interpreted the “partnership” as approval for the acquisition. Keeping U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh was part of Nippon Steel’s original bid. To enhance the deal, Nippon Steel offered a $2.7 billion commitment to upgrade facilities in Pennsylvania and Indiana, adding to an earlier $1.4 billion commitment.

U.S. Steel’s CEO, David Burritt, had warned that blocking Nippon Steel would cause U.S. Steel to "largely pivot away" and raise “serious questions” about remaining headquartered in Pittsburgh. U. S. Steel’s board and stockholders had approved Nippon Steel’s bid the previous year, though the United Steelworkers union opposed it. Trump had previously stated his opposition to U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company but later suggested Nippon Steel would instead invest in U.S. Steel. He ordered a new national security review of the proposed bid.