09:41 AM EDT, 09/03/2024 (MT Newswires) -- United States Steel ( X ) should remain American-owned and American-operated, presidential candidate Kamala Harris said during a campaign rally in Pittsburgh and in a social media post Monday.

"It is vital for our nation to maintain strong American steel companies," Harris said, echoing President Joe Biden's sentiments on a proposed takeover by Japan's Nippon Steel.

Nippon Steel reportedly defended its proposed $14.1 billion merger following Harris' comments, saying the transaction will "revitalize the American steel rust belt, benefit American workers, local communities, and national security in a way no other alternative can," the company was quoted as saying by Japanese media outlets.

Neither US Steel nor Nippon Steel immediately responded to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

Shares of US Steel were down 4% in early trading Tuesday.

Price: 36.39, Change: -1.52, Percent Change: -4.01