(Editor's Note: The following opinion column does not constitute an endorsement of any corporation, or other business structure, who may be currently a party to any merger and/or acquisition processes, inclusive of negotiations. It's not an endorsement of any financial product or service, nor an inducement to buy or sell securities, on the part of Newsmax.)
Why President Trump May Want to Back Nippon Steel Deal
Cleveland-Cliffs is reportedly preparing to idle three more steel plants this summer.
The time is now, to take a hard look at who’s truly positioned to lead the future of U.S. steel. For those who believe in revitalizing American manufacturing and restoring industrial strength, the evidence is clear: President Donald Trump may wish to back Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, not Cleveland-Cliffs’ bid.
Does the latest announcement confirm what many in the industry have been calling into question?
Can the argument be well made that Cleveland-Cliffs is not stable, focused, and not prepared to manage a larger industrial footprint?
The company will shut down operations in Steelton and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and Riverdale, Illinois — idling plants that produce rail and high-carbon sheet steel, the kinds of products essential to infrastructure, transportation, and national resilience.
That decision comes on the heels of earlier layoffs in Michigan and Minnesota, where Cliffs closed operations affecting more than 1,200 workers.
Altogether, the company has shed over 2,700 jobs in recent months.
This seemingly isn’t a temporary blip — it’s a pattern of retrenchment which should disqualify Cliffs from any further consolidation of the American steel market.
In contrast, Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel would inject fresh capital, operational expertise, and global supply chain access into one of the country’s most iconic manufacturers.
Nippon has indicated it will preserve U.S. Steel’s workforce, not outsourcing jobs; investing in American plants, and honoring union collective bargaining agreements.
Nippon offers a path to expansion, modernization, and long-term stability.
Cleveland-Cliffs’ leadership cites the economy, pricing conditions, and even tariffs — when convenient — but these closures are not the result of unfair trade policy.
They’re the consequence of a company that gives the appearance of having overextended itself, while failing to adapt.
While Cliffs insists its flat-rolled steel production remains unaffected, that’s little comfort to the nearly 3,000 Americans now facing unemployment.
Supporters of America First economic policy should recognize the distinction here.
Tariffs and reshoring efforts are designed to protect American industry — not reward companies cutting domestic jobs while lobbying for more market share.
President Trump has rightly prioritized manufacturing, reshoring, and supply chain security. But that mission demands discernment.
Not every company that wraps itself in the flag deserves a blank check.
Nippon Steel has done what Cleveland-Cliffs has not: demonstrated a an arguably workable plan to grow American jobs, invest in U.S. infrastructure, and compete globally without slashing its way through the industrial heartland.
The bottom line is this: Cleveland-Cliffs is shedding jobs. Nippon Steel is prepared to create them. If we want a stronger, more competitive steel industry in the United States, we should support the partner who's ready to build.
President Trump has a historic opportunity to show that his America First vision means backing outcomes, not just rhetoric.
That means standing with workers, not corporate consolidators.
That means supporting U.S. Steel’s future.
Not risking it on firms retreating from the missions it claims to uphold.
Mitchell Brown is an Army veteran/ Has extensive experience as a linguist, intelligence collector, and reconnaissance asset. Mr. Brown eventually took a legislative role in the U.S. House, during which he began his work on policy for the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. Mitchell was subsequently appointed to serve as deputy White House Liaison for the Department of Labor for the Trump administration. He was also tasked with leading in lowering the unemployment rate during COVID-19. Read Mitch Brown's Reports — More Here.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.