Support for the Transaction

“Biden’s decision appears to be premised, at best, on flawed national security arguments and, at worst, on political motivations.”

“It's unfortunate the way the executive branch — the committee, the White House — have handled this.  None of this is improving U.S. economic security… I could foresee them (Japanese investment community) making fewer investments, or making smaller investments, or making passive investments, where they can't bring their technological insight to bear to collaborate. And that would be bad for the Pittsburgh economy.”

“The @potus decision to block Nippon Steel's buy of US steel is bad economics and foreign policy both. It threatens jobs here, encourages protectionism elsewhere, & undermines what has been a defining alliance-first approach to the world. A stain on Biden's legacy.”

"One of the things that's difficult about this decision is that Japan is a very close US ally," he said. "The government's got frankly a big evidentiary burden in order to justify what they're doing today - and it hurts bilateral relations with Japan, something Trump will want to avoid."

“President Biden talks about protesting the American steel industry, but only in the abstract…At no point did he engage with actual steelworkers, or address the technology needed to empower them to safeguard the steel industry”

“This decision will cast a shadow on the alliance…It is indeed unfortunate that the Biden administration has handed the Chinese Communist party yet another talking point on America not being a reliable partner”

“It’s unusual to declare a friend and ally a security threat, which is what [Biden has] done.”

“The Biden administration’s politicization of Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U. S. Steel threatens to impose a high economic cost on the American people in the years ahead.”

“President Biden claiming Japan's investment in an American steel company is a threat to national security is a pathetic and craven cave to special interests that will make America less prosperous and safe. I'm sorry to see him betraying our allies while abusing the law.”

"The Nippon deal would have increased the ability to have more competition for domestic steel. The deal could have potentially created a competitive advantage, and we should have encouraged it."

“Today’s decision from the Biden administration opposing the Nippon/USS transaction leaves the future of southwestern Pennsylvania steelmaking uncertain. This deal would have benefited the region’s economy and environment. Nippon made specific commitments that should have been embraced – maintaining a regional headquarters, investing in upgrading facilities and growing jobs in the Mon Valley.

Choosing to walk down an uncertain path when a viable and highly beneficial deal is on the table is the wrong decision by the Biden administration.”

“You really want to be able to ensure that the government is using its pretty broad powers in a restrained way…This particular use of CFIUS and national security strains credulity.”

"The Nippon deal would have increased the ability to have more competition for domestic steel…The deal could have potentially created a competitive advantage, and we should have encouraged it."

"This was a direct response and continuation of the Trump MAGA agenda of Making America Great Again …The Biden administration couldn't appear weak on foreign businesses, whether it's an ally or adversary.”

"It is incomprehensible and regrettable that this kind of decision has been made on the grounds of concerns over national security."

“It would have helped us rebuild our competitiveness and counter China. To do this effectively, we need our friends, particularly Japan,”

“Opponents of the deal fail to recognize how it actually benefits U.S. national security, as well as our broader economic and geopolitical interests. The integration of Nippon Steel’s innovations would bolster U.S. Steel’s competitiveness, reduce carbon emissions and align with national priorities, such as reducing reliance on China in critical areas. In 2023, Beijing accounted for 54 percent of global steel production, a dominance that threatens both American and allied industries; collaboration between U.S. and Japanese steelmakers would strengthen the industrial foundations of the U.S.-Japan alliance, the cornerstone of Indo-Pacific security.”

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“Approving Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel represents a vital opportunity to secure jobs, strengthen the steel industry and deepen ties with a key ally. In doing so, the president can send a powerful message: the United States values economic cooperation, understands the importance of responsible foreign investment, and is ready to lead in countering global challenges.

The Nippon Steel acquisition is more than a simple transaction; it is a strategic investment in America’s future. Let’s not let politics or misplaced fears turn it into a missed opportunity.”

“Blocking this investment in America would damage relations with our closest ally, provide an enormous economic and political win to China, and lead to the loss of thousands of steelworkers jobs.

A decision to block the deal would also be a diplomatic loss for the United States, sending a clear signal to the world that we are no longer a reliable ally and not truly open to foreign investment.

The biggest winner of a decision to block the deal would be China, which already dominates the global steel market, and would almost certainly gain an even greater share of the market without the added competition of a strong Nippon-U.S. Steel alliance.”

“President Biden’s insistence that blocking the U.S. Steel--Nippon Steel merger would be beneficial for U.S. security and the career prospects of U.S. Steelworkers reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the industry and broader economy. If he follows through on his threat it will inevitably result in fewer jobs in the domestic steel industry, a frayed alliance with Japan, and a reduced steelmaking capacity--precisely the opposite of his ostensible goal.”

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“If the Biden Administration is truly concerned about protecting American steelmaking jobs, ensuring that the U.S. maintains the ability to produce steel domestically, and protecting our country’s relationship with Japan it would approve this merger promptly. Unfortunately, short-term political vicissitudes appear to be more important to it than any of these tangible U.S. priorities.”