US Senator Bernie Sanders has expressed support for President Donald Trump’s plan to convert $10.9 billion in grants given to chipmaker Intel into a government stake in the company. The plan aims to increase US semiconductor chip production and reduce reliance on foreign-made chips.
Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, believes that taxpayers have a right to receive a reasonable return on their investment. He proposed an amendment to the 2022 CHIPS Act, which would have required the Treasury Department to receive an equity stake or senior debt instrument from recipient companies before granting grants.
The Trump administration is seeking “equity” in exchange for “investments” made by the government. This move comes as part of a broader effort to boost US semiconductor output and maintain its technological lead over China.
Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has been under scrutiny due to national security concerns about his past investments in Chinese tech companies. Trump had called on Tan to resign but later backed off after he professed allegiance to the US.
The government’s potential new role in Intel has been met with skepticism from investors, who have seen Intel stock decline 7.1% since the announcement.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/8/20/us-senator-bernie-sanders-backs-trump-plan-for-government-stake-in-intel