Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have publicly opposed Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, framing the deal as a threat to American steel sovereignty. Their stances echo concerns about national security and the need to maintain strong American steel companies, a sentiment expressed during a Labor Day speech by Harris in Pittsburgh. Despite this bipartisan opposition, analysts suggest that the merger could still gain regulatory approval after the upcoming elections, as U.S. Steel aims to negotiate better terms with Nippon Steel. Additionally, the United Steelworkers union is leveraging its political influence to secure commitments related to job security and operational integrity. Observers have criticized both politicians for being more focused on polling and political optics than on sound economic principles, questioning why a domestic acquisition would be treated differently than a foreign one. Ultimately, while opposition is strong, the deal's fate remains uncertain as the regulatory process unfolds.