Vice President JD Vance will visit the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works steel plant in his Ohio hometown on August 21, where he will deliver remarks on the Trump administration’s economic agenda and address a recent shift in federal funding for the facility.
Vance, joined by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Ohio officials, is expected to make an announcement regarding the plant’s operations and federal grant plans. The event holds personal significance for Vance, whose grandfather, James Vance, worked at the steel plant for nearly 40 years and is the subject of Vance’s 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.
Key Development: Federal Grant Reallocation
In 2024, Cleveland-Cliffs was selected to receive a $500 million federal grant from the Biden administration to replace the Middletown furnace with a hydrogen-powered facility. The company initially committed to spending $1.3 billion of its own funds on the project, which was projected to create 200 permanent jobs, reduce production costs, and lower carbon emissions.
However, in July 2025, Cleveland-Cliffs abandoned these plans, citing a lack of available hydrogen infrastructure. CEO Lourenco Goncalves stated during an earnings call that the company would not pursue the hydrogen-powered upgrade due to unmet federal promises. In August 2025, a company spokesperson confirmed that hydrogen hub announcements made during the Biden administration had not materialized as expected.
The company now intends to use the $500 million grant for traditional steelmaking methods, including coal-based production and upgrades incorporating artificial intelligence.
Background: Cleveland-Cliffs and Middletown’s Steel Legacy
Cleveland-Cliffs, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, operates the Middletown Works facility, which was once the city’s largest employer. The plant has faced challenges amid the national decline of the steel industry since the 1980s. Despite these struggles, the facility remains a key economic driver for the region.
Vance’s visit underscores his emphasis on Rust Belt economic policies and his personal connection to the plant’s history. The event also aligns with Republican efforts to secure key Ohio races ahead of the November midterm elections, as the state has shifted politically to the right in recent years.
What to Expect from Vance’s Remarks
While specific details of Vance’s announcement have not been disclosed, his speech is expected to highlight the Trump administration’s manufacturing and economic policies, including support for traditional industries like steel. The event may also address the administration’s stance on federal funding for industrial projects and the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources without adequate infrastructure.
Ohio officials and local leaders are anticipated to attend, emphasizing the plant’s role in the state’s economic and political landscape.
Plant Operations and Future Plans
Cleveland-Cliffs continues to operate the Middletown Works facility, though the company has adjusted its long-term plans in response to federal funding delays and infrastructure gaps. The plant remains a critical employer in the region, and its operations are closely watched as a barometer for the broader steel industry’s recovery and adaptation to new energy standards.