US President Donald Trump is set to announce that the largest steel plant in American history will be built in Iowa by Minnesota-based Mesabi Metallics.
The project is part of the administration’s push to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Trump has defended his 50% steel tariffs as necessary to increase US steel production and has described the issue as one of national security.
Making American Steelmaking Great Again.
President Trump is prioritizing hardworking Americans instead of foreign labor. This will become the largest steel plant in American history, create thousands of jobs, and add billions to the economy for decades to come. pic.twitter.com/BownTquD1P
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 28, 2026
The new facility, planned for eastern Iowa, is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs, along with between 5,000 and 6,000 construction jobs, according to a White House official. Construction is expected to begin this month, with steel production scheduled to start in 2030.
The announcement comes as Republicans defend all four Iowa House seats and a Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Joni Ernst.
The administration’s focus also comes amid concerns among farmers over high fertilizer and diesel fuel prices.
Mesabi Metallics recently invested $2.5 billion in an iron ore mine in Minnesota, described as the first new excavation in the US in five decades.
Local residents in eastern Iowa have also reported approaches from a commercial real estate agent regarding potential land sales.
