US considers 10 percent stake in Intel

The Trump administration may convert CHIPS Act grants into equity and take about 10% of Intel, potentially making the government the chipmaker’s largest shareholder.

Trump Seeks 10 Percent Stake in Intel

The Trump administration is examining a plan to acquire roughly 10 percent of Intel Corp., with discussions focusing on converting CHIPS Act grants into equity. If realized, the move could make the United States Intel’s largest shareholder and shift government involvement in a major private tech company. Intel is slated to receive about 10.9 billion in CHIPS Act grants for commercial and military production.

The discussions are described as exploratory and would require governance safeguards and likely congressional approval. Any action would align with a broader push to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains and protect national security while balancing market dynamics. The potential stake would connect future federal support to equity and offer a tangible return, but also raise questions about governance, transparency, and taxpayer risk.

The idea signals a shift in how policy tools are used to back domestic tech champions. A government stake could help secure supply chains and align industry goals with public priorities, yet it also risks politicizing business decisions and distorting private investment signals. If the arrangement goes forward, it may set a precedent for federal involvement in private companies and invite scrutiny from markets and lawmakers alike.

The move will test the boundary between stimulus and state control. It could influence investor confidence, board independence, and the way profits or losses are allocated to taxpayers. In a sector where competition is fierce, this is less a simple bailout and more a test of how far policy can steer market outcomes without undermining innovation.

Highlights

The policy path now hinges on governance, oversight, and how much the public is willing to back private innovation.