Truman Seizes Steel Mills to Prevent Strike During Korean War

President Truman issued Executive Order 10340 on April 8, 1952, directing Commerce Secretary Charles Sawyer to seize and operate 87 steel mills to prevent a labor strike from disrupting Korean War production. Truman cited his authority as Commander-in-Chief and chief executive, bypassing Congress, which had explicitly declined to grant seizure authority during debates over the Taft-Hartley Act. The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company and other steel producers immediately challenged the seizure in federal court.