HUGER, S.C. — Vice President JD Vance paid a visit to a steel facility in South Carolina on Thursday, spotlighting what he called an “industrial renaissance” unfolding across the U.S.
This initiative is partially attributed to President Donald Trump’s efforts to bolster local industry.
During his visit to Nucor Steel in Huger, Vance’s schedule was aligned with a string of events celebrating Trump’s first 100 days in office. Addressing hundreds of attendees and Nucor steelworkers gathered in one of the facility’s expansive outdoor areas, Vance expressed his hopes.
“I hope every single one of you, you guys in front of me, feel a sense of pride, because these are the products that actually make America work,” he said. “These are the products that make our citizens’ lives better.”
Nucor has been vocal in its support for Trump’s tariffs, which have stirred the global market and received a mixed reception among other industry leaders.
The company’s stock experienced a 6% rise following the Trump administration’s announcement of new steel import tariffs, though it has seen some volatility since.
Following a recent earnings call, Nucor CEO Leon Topalian shared on a financial news channel that the company’s backlog of orders was showcasing signs of economic improvement, as the orders are reportedly 25% higher than the previous year.
This visit marked Vance’s inaugural trip to South Carolina, a region rich in industry and a significant player in national politics. Trump’s victory in the state’s early GOP primary in 2016 played a pivotal role in solidifying his status as a frontrunner, maintaining popularity ever since.
On the stage, Vance addressed two of South Carolina’s Republican leaders, Lt. Gov. Pam Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace, both staunch Trump and Vance supporters anticipated to compete for the GOP gubernatorial nomination the following year.
Vance, who toured the facility with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, underscored the administration’s focus on “energy dominance,” emphasizing a need to balance enhancing domestic manufacturing with environmental protection.
“We have started drill, baby, drilling,” Vance stated, highlighting benefits like cheaper gas and increased national self-reliance.
Offshore drilling in South Carolina has long been contentious. Trump had restricted offshore drilling until 2032, covering coasts in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, although President Joe Biden moved to extend those protections against potential expansion.
Trump’s subsequent directive as president sought to remove Biden’s restrictions, aiming to unlock 625 million acres offshore for economic contribution.
The visit came shortly after a significant national security appointment shift. It was announced that former Congressman Mike Waltz would transition out as national security adviser due to earlier controversial communications, while he’d be nominated as ambassador to the U.N.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to assume Waltz’s former responsibilities.
In his remarks, Vance did not acknowledge these updates, and Zeldin only learned of Waltz’s new role when a reporter informed him post-event, expressing optimism about Waltz’s capabilities.