'Gut punch': Steelworkers union stunned after Trump vows to scuttle international deal

Donald Trump's stated intention to block the sale of U.S. Steel to the Japanese firm Nippon Steel Co. for $14.9 billion triggered howls of outrage, reported the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review — including from a number of steelworkers who backed Trump for president.

“I am very frustrated with the news that came out last night,” said United Steelworkers Local 2227 Vice President Jason Zugai in a D.C.-based panel discussion. “I didn’t expect that to come out. So that was like a gut punch.”

Zugai, who participated in Trump rallies in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, said that Trump never stated his intention to oppose the deal at that rally, and promised him he would take a serious look at it after the election.

While Zugai and many other steelworkers want the deal to go through, support isn't universal. David McCall, the president of United Steelworkers, has said he opposes the deal and doesn't trust the Japanese firm will protect the workers or honor its promise to put $1 billion in investments into the Mon Valley Works.

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President Joe Biden — known for his passionate views on protecting American-owned businesses — has also opposed the deal, suggesting it could pose a threat to national security.

Despite this, many steelworkers back the deal because they fear the U.S. steel industry will go into decline without the partnership and investment, costing their jobs in the long run.

The mayor of West Mifflin, Chris Kelly, who wants the deal to go through, "poked fun at Trump for not coming around to their side," according to the report.

"He said he has yet to hear from any national politician about a plan to invest in the Mon Valley plants if the deal with Nippon is blocked. 'Maybe he has concepts of a plan,' Kelly said about Trump, referencing an often-mocked line from Trump during the September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris when discussing health care."