Vice President JD Vance visited Nucor Steel’s South Carolina plant [1] on Thursday, highlighting what he called an “industrial renaissance” fueled by the Trump administration’s push for domestic manufacturing.
Speaking before hundreds of steelworkers and industry leaders, Vance praised the resilience of the U.S. steel sector, emphasizing its vital role in infrastructure and national security. “I hope every single one of you feels a sense of pride, because these are the products that actually make America work,” Vance told the audience gathered outside the company’s sprawling facility. “These are the products that make our citizens’ lives better.”
The visit marked a key moment in the administration’s efforts to bolster heavy industry during Trump’s first 100 days in office. Nucor, the largest steel producer in the United States, has been a staunch supporter of the president’s tariff policies, which have shielded domestic steelmakers from foreign competition. The company’s stock surged 6% following the administration’s recent move to impose additional tariffs on imported steel, a signal of the White House’s commitment to strengthening the sector.
Nucor CEO Leon Topalian pointed to the company’s rising backlog of orders—reported to be 25% higher than a year ago—as evidence of improving economic conditions. “We’re seeing clear signs of momentum, with demand returning across key industries,” Topalian said in a recent earnings call.
Vance’s visit to South Carolina underscored the state’s role as a hub for steel production and manufacturing. The region has long been an important player in the industry, supplying steel for construction and automotive applications. Trump’s previous policy decisions, including tariffs on foreign steel and incentives for domestic production, have bolstered the state’s manufacturing base.
Accompanied by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Vance also addressed concerns over balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship. “We need to ensure energy dominance and economic security, while safeguarding our environment,” he said, dismissing claims that increased domestic steel manufacturing would necessarily conflict with environmental regulations.
His remarks come amid broader policy debates surrounding steel production and trade. As global markets adjust to shifting trade dynamics and evolving sustainability standards, industry experts have pointed to the need for long-term strategies that secure America’s steel supply chain while maintaining environmental responsibility.
While much of Vance’s speech focused on the administration’s commitment to industrial growth, he avoided discussing recent changes in Trump’s national security team, staying firmly on message about the strength of U.S. manufacturing.
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[1] Vance heralds ‘industrial renaissance’ in his visit to a South Carolina steel plant https://apnews.com/article/vance-south-carolina-steel-plant-de0518d19fbe6093a251160b22282d50