The market responded quickly; the stock price of U.S. Steel dropped 6.5% after the disclosure. Analysts speculate the choice would compel the business to rethink its approach, including a possible change from conventional blast furnace operations. The change might affect thousands of union employment.

President Biden blocked Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel citing national security concerns, a rationale which has drawn criticism from the companies and other observers.

The company still needs investment badly, and it isn’t clear what game of opportunity and survival is being played at the top.