Pennsylvania Steelworkers Who Endorsed Trump Devastated Over His Plans to Block Nippon Deal

Pennsylvania steelworkers, who previously endorsed Donald Trump, are now furious at his plans for the steel industry.

The president-elect’s recent announcement to block the $14.9 billion sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese company has left many feeling betrayed and frustrated. Trump took to Truth Social to reaffirm his commitment, stating, “I am totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company, in this case Nippon Steel of Japan. Through a series of Tax Incentives and Tariffs, we will make U.S. Steel Strong and Great Again, and it will happen FAST! As President, I will block this deal from happening. Buyer Beware!!!”

In the Pittsburgh area, where U.S. Steel employs about 3,500 people, the company’s sale to Nippon had been viewed as a potential lifeline. Jason Zugai, the vice president of the United Steelworkers Local 2227 branch in West Mifflin, expressed his frustration

“For me, yeah, very frustrated with the news that came out last night. I didn’t expect that to come out, so that was like a gut punch,” he admitted.

Those in favor of the deal point to Nippon’s promise to invest $2.7 billion in its unionized facilities and create advanced steel products in America as reasons to support the transaction. However, United Steelworkers President David McCall voiced concerns that the deal could jeopardize local jobs and economic stability.

“I don’t trust them. And more than that, the fact that they’re spending billions—or millions and millions of dollars in P.R. campaigns, as opposed to answering the needs of our members, concerns us a lot,” McCall shared.

Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida and Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, also voiced opposition, citing potential risks to national security. Despite these concerns, Mayor Chris Kelly of West Mifflin argued that Nippon’s plan was beneficial for the local economy, suggesting it would lead to job creation and economic growth.

This is certainly a gut punch to the steelworkers in Pennsylvania, who offered Trump a major endorsement back in October 2024. 

“[It was] a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was glad I got to get my members up there, and they got to see him,” Vice President Richard Tikey said at the time. “It was like all about my members to me and meet Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump kind of saved all of our jobs with his tariffs.”