The United States is studying becoming a shareholder in Intel to boost its chip production and reduce dependence on Asia

Intel is not going through its best period and in Washington they know it. For this reason, the US government is studying something unusual: take a direct stake in the semiconductor giant. The idea would be to support its expansion plans in the country and, in the process, give a boost to projects that have been stuck for too long.

Ohio, the work that does not end

The most obvious case is the ohio factorypresented in its day as a symbol of the return of chip production to American soil. When it was announced, everything indicated that it would be operational this year. Then came a delay until the end of 2026 and, finally, Intel admitted that it will not be ready before 2030 or 2031. A calendar change that, for the White House, is difficult to digest.

In the administration they consider that plant as a strategic piece to reduce dependence on Asian factories. Hence, a State entry into Intel’s capital is not unreasonable: more money to accelerate the works and less risk that the project remains just promises.

Tensions and family photos

Politically, the last few weeks have been hectic. President Donald Trump even suggested the departure of CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing alleged ties to China. However, after a face-to-face meeting, the tension eased. Trump spoke on his networks about a “very productive” meeting and even praised Tan’s professional career.

Intel, in a subsequent statement, reiterated its commitment to the objective of strengthening technological leadership and national manufacturing, without confirming or denying the possible entry of the government into its shareholding.

A giant left behind

In business, the photo is not much better. Intel has been losing ground to AMD for years and, above all, NVIDIA, which has managed to position itself as a reference in artificial intelligence. Its market value has been reduced by almost half since 2020 and internal adjustments have been continuous: staff cuts, project cancellations and factories in Europe that have remained on paper.

The final blow came last month, with the announcement of 15% fewer staff globally. Furthermore, it was confirmed that The planned plants in Poland and Germany will not be built. Tan’s arrival to the management at the beginning of this year, after the retirement of Pat Gelsinger, sought precisely to provide stability and set a new direction.

A life preserver with an American flag

If the Trump administration ends up taking a stake in Intel, it would not be a gesture for the gallery. The White House has been moving for months so that the cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing does not depend only on Asia. The industry’s most recent agreement fits along the same lines: NVIDIA and AMD have committed to allocating 15% of the income they generate from the sale of chips in China.

In this context, a public investment in Intel, as suggested by media such as Bloomberg, would serve as a clear message: the United States wants to regain a leading role in the manufacturing of semiconductors. And, if that means becoming a shareholder in one of their historical giants, it seems that they are willing to do it.