The announcement from Trump came after his White House meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
President Joe Biden before leaving office last month blocked the purchase, citing national security concerns. Trump in December said he was “totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company.” He told reporters on Friday that he remains opposed to the sale.
Nippon and U.S. Steel had filed a lawsuit aimed at restoring the deal. And Nippon has stepped up its public push, arguing the “transaction is in line with President Trump’s focus” on manufacturing and “contributes to President Trump’s goals promoting U.S. investment, creating U.S. jobs, and strengthening U.S. manufacturing.”
On another front, Trump said he isn't taking the possibility of levying tariffs against Japan off the table, but believes that the issue can be resolved without taking punitive action. The United States has a $68 billion trade deficit with Japan.
Trump said “I think it will be very easy for Japan. We have a fantastic relationship. I don't think we'll have any problem. They want fairness also.”
