Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her opposition to the sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese firm Nippon Steel Corporation during a Labor Day campaign event in Pittsburgh on September 2. She emphasized the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies, stating that U.S. Steel is a historic American company that should remain American-owned and operated. This event marked the first time Harris and President Joe Biden appeared together since Biden exited the 2024 race and endorsed Harris for president.
Last month, both leaders appeared at the Democratic National Convention and a White House event about lowering prescription drugs in Maryland. During their joint campaign event in Pittsburgh, Harris echoed Biden’s previous remarks that U.S. Steel should remain entirely American.
Nippon Steel, the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker, announced its intention to purchase U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion in an all-cash agreement back in December. On April 12, U.S. Steel shareholders approved Nippon Steel’s takeover bid; however, the union representing the company’s workers is seeking to block the deal.
Harris reiterated her commitment to protecting labor unions during her speech at the campaign event and highlighted her endorsements from major unions such as United Steelworkers and United Auto Workers.
President Biden referred to Vice President Harris as “a true friend” and praised her as “the next great president.” He emphasized his support for labor unions by stating that he comes from neighborhoods where it is not difficult to say “union.”
Before heading to Pennsylvania, Harris visited Michigan where she delivered a speech at Northwestern High School in Detroit emphasizing the importance of labor unions in securing fair pay, benefits, and safe working conditions.
On Labor Day itself, Harris targeted former President Donald Trump by accusing him of being against workers and unions while also criticizing his running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) for opposing workers’ rights expansion through legislation like Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
In response on his social media platform Truth Social on September 2nd., Trump wished American workers a happy Labor Day while arguing that his policies had benefited businesses and workers alike before claiming that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden had undone those achievements.
Prior to their campaign events, Vice President Harris met with President Biden in the White House Situation Room alongside members of the U.S hostage deal negotiation team following recent hostage murders by Hamas terrorists group.