Vice President JD Vance stepped off Air Force Two this week with a smile, a wave, and a clear message: American steel is back.
The products created by our steel manufacturers form the very foundation of our country.
Under President Trump, we are going to rebuild our nation with skilled American labor and innovation. The New Golden Age of America is here! pic.twitter.com/x8hLlGN8qg
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) May 5, 2025
Steel has always been a symbol of American strength. It built our railroads, our skyscrapers, our warships, and the cars we drive.
Over the past few decades, cheap foreign steel—mostly from China—has undercut American producers, leading to layoffs, plant closures, and economic decline in industrial towns across the country.
Back in 2018, during Trump’s first term, he imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel to give U.S. manufacturers a fair shot. Many conservatives still see that move as a turning point.
While the full results of those tariffs are debated, they did lead to a bump in U.S. steel production and gave some breathing room to struggling mills.
Vance’s visit signals the administration isn’t done yet—they want to double down and make steel a priority again.
Trump and Vance are betting big on what they call the “New Golden Age of America.”
It’s not just a slogan—it’s a plan to bring back jobs by focusing on U.S.-made products, cutting regulations, and pulling back from trade deals that put American workers last.
That message is resonating with a lot of conservatives who’ve watched their communities lose manufacturing jobs over the years.
Now, some economists argue that tariffs do more harm than good, especially for industries that use steel, like car and equipment makers.
One analysis from 2018 found that for every steel job saved, 5 to 8 other jobs in steel-using sectors could be lost due to higher costs.
Critics also say this kind of economic nationalism ignores the benefits of global trade and could lead to higher prices for consumers.
Still, supporters counter that keeping key industries like steel in the U.S. is about more than just economics—it’s about national security and self-reliance.
Vance’s focus on steel also ties into history.
After the Civil War, America’s steel production exploded—from just over 1 million tons in 1880 to more than 10 million by 1900.
It helped make the U.S. a global power.
Today, steel employment is a fraction of what it used to be—thanks to automation and foreign competition. But many conservatives see it as a mistake to give up on manufacturing entirely.
Vance’s message is that we don’t have to.
Bringing in the “New Golden Age of America” is about much more than manufacturing steel in the US.
It’s about what kind of country we want to be—one that makes things again, one that values skilled labor, and one that puts American workers first.
The Trump administration believes the path to that future starts by bringing industries like steel back to American soil.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
