Trump meets with US Steel CEO amid controversy over Nippon Steel’s bid

Attention now shifts to Friday’s meeting between Trump and Ishiba, where the US Steel acquisition is expected to be a key topic. The outcome of this meeting could determine the future of the iconic U.S. steel company and its role in the global economy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with US Steel CEO David Buritt at the White House on Thursday at a crucial moment for the steel company, which has been seeking a resolution on its long-awaited acquisition by Japan’s Nippon Steel.

A deal in uncertainty

Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion bid to acquire US Steel was blocked last month by former President Joe Biden. Trump has also expressed opposition to the deal, although he has welcomed Japanese investment in the technology sector.

On Friday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House, which could pave the way for further discussions about US Steel’s future.

Trump’s stance and Nippon Steel’s response

Although details of Trump and Buritt’s conversation remain undisclosed, the former president’s previous statements indicate a firm stance against selling US Steel to a foreign company.

“I am totally against the once-great and powerful US Steel being bought by a foreign company, in this case, Nippon Steel of Japan,” Trump said last year.

However, Nippon Steel maintains that its acquisition would strengthen the U.S. industry and align with Trump’s vision of a stronger economy.

“We are convinced that our acquisition plan is the best proposal for US Steel, and we hope that the Ishiba-Trump meeting will help open the path for a deal,” said Takahiro Mori, Nippon Steel’s vice chairman, speaking to reporters on Thursday.

Business leaders at the White House

In addition to Buritt, other prominent figures, including Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg and FedEx Executive Chairman and Founder Frederick Smith, were also present at the White House for meetings. It remains unclear if they met with Trump.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed on social media platform X that Zuckerberg visited the White House to discuss how the company can contribute to advancing U.S. technological leadership globally.

Anticipation for the meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister

Attention now shifts to Friday’s meeting between Trump and Ishiba, where the US Steel acquisition is expected to be a key topic. The outcome of this meeting could determine the future of the iconic U.S. steel company and its role in the global economy.