American Steelmakers Are Thriving Under President Trump
7/22/2025
Action Summary
- Industry Resurgence: Highlights a robust recovery of the U.S. steel industry under President Trump after challenges during the Biden era, emphasizing revitalized domestic manufacturing.
- Protective Tariffs and Leadership: Underlines that strong leadership and the imposition of protective tariffs have been crucial in shielding domestic jobs and bolstering national security.
- Record Performance:
- Cleveland-Cliffs: Reported record Q2 2025 steel shipments.
- Steel Dynamics: Noted a 39% increase in operating income and a 19% rise in adjusted EBITDA in Q2 2025.
- Nucor: Expected Q2 2025 earnings to be approximately four times higher than the previous quarter.
- Golden Share Strategy: Details President Trump’s perpetual Golden Share in Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel to protect the company’s financial health and prevent job outsourcing.
Risks & Considerations
- The resurgence of the U.S. steel industry under protective tariffs may lead to increased costs for industries reliant on steel imports, potentially affecting sectors such as construction and manufacturing that Vanderbilt University may engage with for research or partnerships.
- While the steel industry benefits from protective measures, there is a risk of retaliatory tariffs from other countries, which could impact international collaborations and research funding opportunities for Vanderbilt.
- The focus on domestic manufacturing and job protection may influence federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and support for research areas not aligned with these priorities.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how changes in the steel and automotive industries could impact its engineering and business programs, particularly in terms of curriculum and industry partnerships.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration with the domestic steel and automotive industries, particularly in areas related to materials science and manufacturing processes.
- The Owen Graduate School of Management could benefit from case studies and partnerships with thriving domestic industries, providing students with real-world insights into the impacts of trade policies and tariffs.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations might need to adjust its advocacy strategies to align with the administration’s focus on domestic industry support and job protection.
Financial Impact
- The protective tariffs and focus on domestic manufacturing may lead to increased funding opportunities for research and development in related fields, potentially benefiting Vanderbilt’s engineering and business programs.
- However, the potential for retaliatory tariffs and trade tensions could impact international research collaborations and funding, necessitating strategic adjustments in Vanderbilt’s global partnerships.
- Changes in the steel and automotive industries could influence the job market for Vanderbilt graduates, particularly those in engineering and business fields, affecting career services and placement strategies.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on research funding and industry partnerships.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Department should analyze the impact of protective tariffs on the U.S. steel industry and its broader economic implications. This research can provide valuable insights into how similar policies might affect other sectors, including education and technology.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in trade policies and their potential impact on university funding and partnerships, particularly in areas related to manufacturing and engineering research.
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could explore partnerships with domestic steel manufacturers to develop innovative materials and technologies, enhancing research opportunities and industry collaboration.
- The Center for American Economic Policy should evaluate the long-term effects of tariffs on domestic job creation and national security, contributing to policy discussions and thought leadership in economic resilience.
Opportunities
- The resurgence of the American steel industry presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Business School to develop case studies and curricula focused on the impact of trade policies on domestic industries, preparing students for careers in policy analysis and economic strategy.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in public policy and economics to host forums and workshops on the implications of protective tariffs, positioning the university as a leader in discussions on trade and economic policy.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with changes in trade policies and their impact on research and industry partnerships.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – The text does not specify any deadlines or timeframes for policy implementation, focusing solely on industry performance and economic impact.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- The White House: As the release is issued by the President’s office, it reflects and reinforces executive policy directives that support domestic industrial and trade initiatives.
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR): The emphasis on protective tariffs suggests the USTR plays a key role in negotiating and implementing trade measures that impact imports and safeguard domestic industries.
- Department of Commerce: Policy measures aimed at revitalizing domestic manufacturing typically require coordination with the Department of Commerce to oversee economic strategy and regulatory processes.
- Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS): The mention of a “perpetual Golden Share” in U.S. Steel hints at oversight functions to prevent unwanted foreign influence in critical industries.
Relevance Score: 2 (Between 3-5 agencies are impacted by the policies discussed in the release.)
Responsible Officials
N/A – No explicit directive or implementation instructions are provided in the text.
Relevance Score: 1 (Directives are not explicitly provided, affecting low-level staff at most.)