Did President Trump Intervene to Keep Granite City Works Open?
Commerce Secretary Unclear

GraniteCityGossip.com, September 13, 2025

In a development that’s sparking renewed hope across Granite City, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed in a CNBC interview that President Donald Trump personally intervened to prevent the full closure of Granite City Works.

Lutnick referred to U.S. Steel’s plan to “close one of the plants” as “nonsense,” and while he didn’t name Granite City directly, local union leaders are convinced he meant their mill. The federal government’s “golden share” in the U.S. Steel-Nippon deal gave it the authority to appoint a board member and influence decisions on domestic steelmaking. According to Lutnick, Trump “enforced it.”

Union leaders like Craig McKey and Dan Rhyne welcomed the remarks. “Maybe the lights ain’t getting shut out just yet,” Rhyne said, reflecting the cautious optimism shared by many steelworkers. Still, concerns remain: Granite City Works is only guaranteed to operate until 2027, unlike other facilities in the deal which are protected through 2035.

The community is mobilizing. A rally is scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at 2:30 p.m. in Civic Park, where USW International President David McCall will speak. Local leaders from both parties have been advocating to keep the mill open, and Lutnick’s comments have added momentum to their efforts.

For Granite City residents, this isn’t just about steel—it’s about preserving jobs, pride, and the legacy of a town built on hard work, grit and resilience.