McConnell Bashes Biden Over Controversial Issue

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) recently criticized President Biden’s decision to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, arguing that the move was a betrayal of America’s economic and national security interests. In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, McConnell slammed Biden for caving to Big Labor, asserting that the president was sacrificing long-term American prosperity for short-term political gains.

“The Biden administration has made it clear that it values the demands of labor unions over the economic security of the nation,” McConnell wrote. He warned that Biden’s intervention to block the $15 billion deal represents a significant failure to secure the future of key industries in the U.S. “By stopping what could have been a transformative investment, President Biden is putting America’s future at risk.”

Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced it would block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, arguing that the steel industry is too vital to America’s national security and economic standing to allow foreign ownership. While labor unions praised the move, claiming it would protect American jobs, business leaders and economists voiced strong opposition. They argued that blocking the deal would ultimately harm American workers and undermine U.S. competitiveness on the global stage.

McConnell, who represents Kentucky—a state with a significant number of foreign-owned companies—questioned how the administration’s policy could reconcile with the jobs created by foreign investment. He reminded readers that thousands of Americans work for foreign businesses, which have been key drivers of job growth and economic development across the country.

Foreign investment, McConnell pointed out, strengthens both the U.S. economy and its ties with allies. In his view, Biden’s decision prioritized political loyalty to union bosses over the long-term well-being of American workers and businesses. McConnell argued that the Biden administration’s actions reflected a short-sighted approach to economic policy, driven by the influence of labor groups, rather than a strategic vision for American industry and national security.

McConnell also voiced his hope that future administrations, including that of President-elect Donald Trump, would prioritize rebuilding international partnerships and restoring a pro-growth, pro-business agenda that places American interests first.