Story highlights Trump has railed against China for its excess steel production

The US imports steel from over 90 countries

Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump directed his administration Thursday to investigate whether imports of foreign steel are harming US national security.

The probe, led by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, is expected to determine whether US manufacturers can quickly scale up production during a national security event with their current supply of US and imported steel. The investigation could result in recommendations on whether to curb steel imports.

Speaking in the Oval Office Thursday, Trump characterized the move as another way to bring back manufacturing jobs to the United States, a top priority that he said likely helped him win office.

"For decades America has lost our jobs and our factories to unfair foreign trade," Trump said. "And one steel mill after another has been shut down, abandoned, and closed. And we're going to reverse that."

"Other countries have made a living taking advantage of the United States in so many ways. I've been talking about that for a long time," he added. "As I traveled the country I saw the shuttered factories and the shuttered dreams, and I pledged that I would take action, and I think it's probably one of the primary reasons I'm sitting here today as President. And since the day I entered office, I have followed through on that pledge, big league."

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