Nippon Steel , Japan's biggest steelmaker, said on Thursday its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel fits with President Donald Trump's goal of a stronger United States as the leaders of the two allies prepared to meet.

Allowing the merger to proceed would help both companies, bolster our relationship with an important ally, and strengthen the U.S. economy.

Nippon Steel Corp. and United States Steel Corp. claimed former President Joe Biden unfairly prejudged their $14.1 billion merger and gave the companies no chance for feedback on a “sham” national security review before he blocked the deal.