Iowa governor candidates react to Trump’s $15 billion steel mill announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTTC) – Iowa governor candidates Zach Lahn and Rob Sand responded Monday to President Donald Trump’s announcement that Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota-based firm, has agreed to build a $15 billion steel mill in southeastern Iowa.
Lahn, a Republican, said the president’s announcement is a direct result of focusing on building in America. Lahn said he is looking forward to working with the president to get the plant fully online.
Sand, a Democrat, said it is a promising idea for Lee County, where the plant is set to be located. Sand said he looks forward to hearing more details, particularly what protections will be built in for Iowa taxpayers and the guarantees for Iowans to be part of the new workforce.
Trump said the plant will produce some of the highest quality and most affordable steel anywhere in the world.
The administration said the Mesabi facility would become one of the largest steel plants in the country.
The White House said the plant could be operational by 2030 and support more than 1,700 jobs.
Several Iowa officials attended the Oval Office announcement, including Governor Kim Reynolds, Senator Joni Ernst, Representatives Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Attorney General Brenna Bird.
During the White House event, the president pointed to the 50% tariffs he has set on foreign steel, saying they are key to ramping up U.S. manufacturing.
According to Mesabi, the Iowa plant will use iron ore from its mine in Nashwauk, Minnesota.
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