Nippon Steel has finalized its $15 billion takeover of U.S. Steel, concluding an 18-month saga that included sealing a national security agreement with the Trump administration. This deal, which allows for Trump’s ‘golden share’ provision, gives him significant influence over the company’s operations. Elected officials from the Mon Valley have expressed optimism about the merger’s potential to create jobs and bolster the local economy. However, concerns regarding the foreign ownership of a once iconic American company remain. Amidst the political dynamics, both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel assert that their partnership will not affect production levels at the Granite City Works for at least two years. The new ownership is seen as a pivotal move that may help the U.S. steel industry to better compete against international rivals like China while raising questions about U.S. national security interests in foreign acquisitions.