Prairie State Wire

Jeanne Ives recently commented on the government's opposition to Nippon Steel purchasing US Steel, stating, "Steelmaking is a national security issue," in a September 5 post on X.

"So Biden and Harris don't want our ally Japan to buy US Steel," said Ives, Founder. "Ok, fine. Steelmaking is a national security issue. We want US ownership."

In her post, Ives continued, "But then they, and Pritzker, give Chinese-backed Gotion collectively billions in tax subsidies. How stupid do they think we are?"

Screenshot of Jeanne Ives' Sept 5 post on X | X

NBC reported on the U.S. opposition to Nippon Steel purchasing US Steel in a $14.9 billion deal, which President Joe Biden is expected to block. According to NBC News, Biden has national security concerns. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump also oppose the deal. The United Steelworkers Union is against the acquisition as well.

The potential failure of the deal could hinder efforts to improve U.S.-Japan relations as the U.S. seeks to limit China's influence. NBC quotes Jeff Kingston, a professor of History and Asian Studies at Temple University Japan, who called the deal's failure "an epic own goal" that benefits China.

Gotion and Governor J.B. Pritzker announced in September 2023 that Gotion would build a $2 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery gigafactory in Manteno. According to a press release from Pritzker’s office, production at the plant is expected to start in 2024. The new state-of-the-art EV battery plant aims to meet growing demand for batteries from the company’s partners and other EV manufacturers in the U.S. The facility in Kankakee County will focus on lithium-ion cell battery pack production and energy storage system integration.

The plant is projected to produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells. Gotion received $336 million in incentives from the state for building there.

Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois State Representative who served six years representing Illinois House District 42. She ran for governor in 2018 and for election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020, according to Ballotpedia.