Harris to Oppose U.S. Steel Sale During Pittsburgh Event, Supports Domestic Ownership

The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, is gearing up for a pivotal joint campaign appearance with President Biden in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The visit holds significant political weight, especially in the context of the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan. The administration's stance on this sale aligns with their previous opposition, as Harris is expected to emphasize the importance of keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned and operated.

Advocating for Domestic Ownership

Kamala Harris's anticipated announcement during the campaign appearance signifies a strong policy stance that advocates for the domestic ownership of U.S. Steel. According to a campaign official, Harris is poised to underscore her commitment to supporting American steelworkers, explicitly stating that U.S. Steel should remain "domestically owned and operated".

This position resonates with the continuing stance taken by President Biden earlier this year when he publicly opposed the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. The president argued that American steel companies should be "powered by American workers", reinforcing the notion that U.S. Steel, an iconic American company for over a century, should remain wholly American "by American union steelworkers, the best in the world".

The Fallout of the Proposed Sale

The proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, an agreement reached in December, is projected to be completed in the "second half of 2024", pending the fulfillment of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required U.S. regulatory approvals. The timing of this sale aligns with the scheduled appearance of President Biden and Vice President Harris at Pittsburgh's Labor Day parade, a significant event in the labor calendar.

Harris's impending announcement about the sale represents a major policy position for the vice president, marking an inflection point in her campaign that may redefine her role in the upcoming elections. This announcement also serves to galvanize support from key demographics, particularly in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, where the stakes are high in the approaching elections.

The Battle for Pennsylvania and Labor Support

Harris's campaign strategy appears to be laser-focused on courting the voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania, two pivotal states that can significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 elections. Notably, the vice president's advocacy for the steel industry is particularly resonant in these states, where steel production remains a vital component of the local economy.

The Labor Day parade in Pittsburgh provides a platform for both the president and the vice president to openly support and acknowledge the importance of labor unions and the working-class population. This engagement is not merely symbolic; it is a calculated effort to connect with the blue-collar workers who play a crucial role in the industrial landscape of these states. The Pittsburgh visit is not Harris's only campaign stop in Pennsylvania, as she also has plans to visit Detroit and meet with President Biden as part of the tour to reinforce the unity of the Democratic ticket.