"We have a 'golden share,' which I control, the president controls. If that gives you total control, it's 51% ownership by Americans,” Trump said to reporters at the White House. 

A Nippon Steel executive said the acquisition of U. S. Steel would require a “degree of management freedom” to go ahead, suggesting that discussions regarding the deal structure are ongoing, reported the Nikkei business daily. 

"The idea to contribute to the revival of U.S. manufacturing [through Nippon Steel's investment] is in line with the U.S. administration's policy," Nikkei quoted the Nippon executive. 

While Trump called Nippon Steel a “great partner” for U. S. Steel at a Pennsylvania rally in May, he later told reporters he had yet to give his final approval. 

The Trump administration and Nippon Steel asked a U.S. appeals court for an 8 day extension of a pause on litigation on 5 June to give them more time to reach a deal, reported Reuters.