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Vice President JD Vance Visits Nucor Steel Plant in South Carolina

Workers operating machinery at the Nucor Steel plant.

News Summary

On May 1, 2025, Vice President JD Vance visited the Nucor Steel plant in Huger, SC, alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. This marks Vance’s first visit to the state as VP, coinciding with the 100-day mark of President Trump’s second term. The visit highlighted the importance of American manufacturing and the effects of Trump’s pro-manufacturing policies, including tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, garnering mixed opinions among locals. The event also emphasized the ongoing dialogue surrounding environmental challenges in the region.

Huger, South Carolina – Vice President JD Vance visited the Nucor Steel plant in Berkeley County on May 1, 2025, marking his first official visit to the state as vice president. The visit coincided with the 100-day milestone of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. Accompanying Vance was Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, who joined the tour of the facility that stands as a significant player in the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Nucor Steel, the largest steel producer in the United States and the biggest recycler of scrap in North America, employs around 1,000 workers in the Huger area. Since its establishment in 1996, the plant has attracted over $1 billion in investments, a testament to its vital role in the local and national economy. During this event, the vice president praised the contributions of Nucor employees, embodying the essence of American manufacturing and stressing their importance to the country’s economic landscape.

Vance’s visit emphasized the administration’s message of an “industrial renaissance” driven by Trump’s pro-manufacturing policies. These policies, which include the imposition of tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, have garnered mixed reactions. While some, like Nucor’s CEO, have supported the tariffs, arguing that they bolster the domestic steel industry, others have expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on other economic sectors within South Carolina, particularly agriculture and retail. Approximately 97% of apparel and footwear consumed in the country are imported, raising questions about the broader implications of these tariffs.

In early 2025, Trump raised tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to 25%, justifying the decision as necessary for national security. However, critics warn that these tariffs could increase costs for American companies that rely on importing metals, leading to a ripple effect through various industries. In light of these actions, local polling reveals a nearly even split among South Carolinians regarding Trump’s job performance, with around 44% approving and 45% disapproving of his approach.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, Nucor has experienced a notable increase in backlog orders, reporting a 25% rise compared to the prior year. The vice president also addressed energy policies during his remarks, reiterating the administration’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in energy production. His emphasis on “drill, baby, drilling” underscored a strong push for energy production expansion, although offshore drilling remains a contentious issue in South Carolina.

Local Republican leaders enthusiastically supported Vance’s visit, underscoring the significance of manufacturing sectors in the local economy. Key figures in the GOP emphasized how crucial these jobs are to sustaining the economic health of the region. Nonetheless, the visit also brought attention to pressing environmental issues in the area, particularly the risk of sea-level rise impacting Charleston. Community members articulated the importance of ensuring federal leaders are made aware of local environmental challenges, especially in light of potential flooding and climate change implications.

Overall, JD Vance’s visit to the Nucor Steel plant serves to highlight both the administration’s focus on revitalizing American manufacturing while drawing attention to the complex interplay between industrial growth and environmental concerns. As South Carolina navigates these challenges, the dialogue surrounding tariffs, job creation, and environmental impacts remains more critical than ever.