Trump Vows to Block Sale of US Steel to Japanese Firm

Former President Donald Trump promised to block the sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese company, echoing his past protectionist stance on American manufacturing.

Former President Donald Trump talks to reporters at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters headquarters, in Washington, on Jan. 31, 2024. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would “absolutely” block the planned sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese firm, a move that recalls his tough protectionist policies for American manufacturing while in office.

In what are his first public remarks on Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion deal to buy U.S. Steel, the former president said that, if he wins the race for the White House, he would “block [the deal] instantaneously. Absolutely.”