WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States has a "golden share" in U.S. Steel, as part of a deal for Nippon Steel ( NISTF ) to buy the iconic American company.

It was not immediately clear what structural element of the deal Trump was referring to, but he said the share meant that Americans would have a 51% ownership in the American steelmaker.

"We have a golden share, which I control, the President controls," he told reporters at the White House. "If that gives you total control, it's 51% ownership by Americans," he added.

Nippon Steel ( NISTF ) and U.S. Steel did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

At a rally in Pennsylvania on May 30, Trump lauded an agreement between the companies and said Nippon Steel ( NISTF ) would make a "great partner" for U.S. Steel. But he later told reporters the deal still lacked his final approval, leaving unresolved whether he would allow Nippon Steel ( NISTF ) to take ownership.