The Donald Trump Administration Is Pondering Equity Stakes in Intel, TSMC, Micron, and Samsung -- and It Sets a Dangerous Precedent

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is considering converting CHIPS Act grants into equity stakes in leading semiconductor companies, which could set a concerning precedent for government involvement in the stock market [5][12][14]. Group 1: Government Influence on Semiconductor Companies - The federal government is contemplating equity stakes in major semiconductor firms such as Intel, TSMC, Micron, and Samsung [5][10]. - Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick proposed that the government should receive equity in exchange for CHIPS Act funding, arguing that taxpayers deserve a return on their investment [8][9]. - If implemented, the government could acquire up to a 10% stake in Intel, valued at approximately $10.9 billion, along with significant stakes in other companies [10]. Group 2: Historical Context and Concerns - Previous instances of government equity stakes occurred during economic crises, such as the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) during the Great Recession and airline bailouts during the COVID-19 pandemic [12][13]. - The proposed equity stakes would be nonvoting, but the government would still exert influence over the companies it invests in, raising concerns about conflicts of interest [15][16]. - Adjusting the funding strategy for the CHIPS Act may deter semiconductor companies from seeking government support, as they might prefer to avoid potential equity stipulations [17][18].