05/04/2026
In August 2025, the Trump administration made a major shift in semiconductor policy by turning billions in planned grants into an equity stake in Intel Corporation. The “receipts” show a $8.9B investment secured a 9.9% stake at $20.47 per share. With Intel stock later rising sharply, the position is now worth over $43B on paper—marking a massive unrealized gain. The move came as Intel pushes a turnaround amid competition with TSMC and Nvidia, alongside renewed demand tied to AI.
I think the “secret sauce” here is how strategic investment can align national policy with market upside. I get why this approach stands out compared to traditional subsidies, but the reality is that it also carries long-term risk depending on ex*****on and market cycles. To me, this isn’t just about profit—it reflects a broader shift in how governments may support critical industries like semiconductors.
Do you think governments should take equity stakes in key industries, or stick to traditional support methods? 👇💬