Trump's Steel Tariff Shock Is This a Partnership or a Punch in the Gut?

Trump's Pittsburgh Rally: Steel Tariffs, Japanese 'Partnership,' and Musk's Bruised Eye

Donald Trump held a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, addressing steelworkers and touching on various topics, from tariffs to international relations and even Elon Musk's alleged drug use and a mysterious black eye.

Doubling Down on Steel Tariffs

In a move that's sure to reverberate through the global economy, Trump announced a doubling of tariffs on imported steel, raising them from 25% to a hefty 50%. He declared, “We are going to be imposing a 25% increase. We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50% the tariffs on steel into the United States of America, which will even further secure the steel industry in the United States.”
This decision, made at a US Steel plant near Pittsburgh, ostensibly aims to bolster the American steel industry. While some question the legality of such a move after a recent court ruling, Trump maintains he has the authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, citing national security concerns.

US Steel's 'Partnership' with Nippon Steel: A Shift in Stance?

The rally also served to celebrate what Trump now calls a "partnership" between US Steel and Japan's Nippon Steel, a significant shift from his previous opposition to the $14.9 billion bid by the Japanese firm. This about-face raises questions about the exact terms of the deal and how it differs from a takeover, especially considering Trump's earlier strong stance against foreign acquisition of US Steel.
Here's a timeline of Trump's evolving position:

• October 2023: Trump declared he was "totally against" the Nippon Steel bid.
• December 2023: He reiterated his opposition in a social media post, vowing to block the deal.
• February 2024: After meeting with Japan’s prime minister, Trump announced Nippon would be "investing" in US Steel.
• Recently: Trump approved what he called "a planned partnership" between the two companies.

The United Steelworkers union has expressed uncertainty about the terms of this "partnership," stating that they haven't seen evidence that Nippon has changed its position of only investing in US Steel if it owns the company outright.

A Symbolic Jersey and a Political Jab

Adding a touch of local flavor, former Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier presented Trump with a Steelers jersey bearing his name and the number 47, a nod to his potential role as the 47th president. However, the symbolism was somewhat complicated by the fact that the jersey number belonged to Mel Blount, a Hall of Fame Steelers player who endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024, demonstrating a clear political divide even within the context of a seemingly celebratory event.

California Investigation into Paramount's Alleged Bribery Attempt

Adding to the day's headlines, two California state senators have launched a bribery investigation into Paramount. The probe centers on allegations that Paramount offered Donald Trump's 2024 campaign $15 million to settle a lawsuit over the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris. This investigation has drawn high-profile attention, with invitations extended to former CBS News and 60 Minutes executives to provide testimony.

Trump's Conversation with Elon Musk

The conference included a discussion about Tesla and Elon Musk.
Here are some of the takeaways from the Trump-Musk press conference:

• Trump praised Musk's service to America, calling it "without comparison in modern history."
• Musk will continue to be "a friend and adviser" to the president.
• Doge workers will "stay on" to continue its work to cut "wasteful" federal spending.

Musk Grilled on Drug Claims and Black Eye

Elon Musk faced questions about a New York Times report detailing his alleged heavy drug use, including ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms. Musk dodged the question.
Adding to the intrigue, Musk addressed his visible black eye, claiming it was the result of "horsing around" with his five-year-old son. He stated that his son, X Æ A-12 punched him in the face.

Other Notable Moments

• Trump announced he fired Kim Sajet, the first female director of the National Portrait Gallery, accusing her of being a "strong supporter of DEI" and "highly partisan."
• He briefly addressed the war in Ukraine, stating that both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky are stubborn.
• Trump wants to see bigger tax cuts in the budget bill.

Student Visa Concerns

The Trump administration's temporary halt on student visa appointments has created significant uncertainty for international students. The directive, ordering US embassies to immediately stop scheduling visa interviews, has left many students in limbo, potentially jeopardizing their scholarships and academic futures.

A Day of Policy Shifts and Unexpected Revelations

Trump's rally in Pittsburgh was a multifaceted event, encompassing significant policy announcements regarding steel tariffs, a controversial "partnership" with a Japanese firm, and even a dose of personal drama involving Elon Musk. The implications of these developments remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: Donald Trump continues to command attention and shape the news cycle with his characteristic flair.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/may/30/donald-trump-tariffs-elon-musk-us-politics-live-news-updates