PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh, once synonymous with steel mills and Steelers fandom, now faces a pivotal moment with the impending sale of its iconic steel company, U.S. Steel, to Japanese firm Nippon Steel Corp. This deal has sparked a heated political debate in an election year across America's industrial heartland.

Generations of Pittsburghers have deep ties to the steel industry, but today, the city's landscape has shifted. The sale of U.S. Steel comes amidst renewed political rhetoric on reviving American manufacturing, making Pittsburgh a focal point for President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and their supporters.

The sale has reignited concerns in a region where steel's decline led to economic hardship and community decline. For many, especially older residents, the fear of job loss echoes past devastations.

While U.S. Steel no longer dominates the global steel market, its symbolic importance remains potent, especially regarding the future of American manufacturing jobs. President Biden, backed by the United Steelworkers union, opposes the sale, emphasizing the need for American ownership. In contrast, former President Trump, despite past anti-union stances, also opposes the sale, citing national interest.

The sale faces scrutiny from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States for national security concerns and from the Department of Justice for antitrust issues. Bipartisan opposition from senators underscores the complex economic and security implications.

Despite promises of job protection and investment in Pittsburgh's ageing plants, the sale marks a significant shift from Pittsburgh's industrial past. Today, the city's economic focus is on education and healthcare, not steel. Environmental concerns and changing political landscapes further complicate the narrative, reflecting broader shifts in local priorities.

As Pittsburgh evolves, the legacy of its steel industry remains contested, evoking both nostalgia and pragmatic concerns for its future economic and environmental sustainability.