Yahoo Finance·2025-10-08 02:30Core Insights - The Trump administration has acquired direct ownership stakes in five major publicly traded companies as part of a national security strategy to secure domestic supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and steel [4][9]. Group 1: Government Investments - The Department of Defense (DoD) entered a public-private partnership with MP Materials to counter China's dominance in the rare earth market, acquiring a 15% stake, making it potentially the largest shareholder [1][7]. - The administration converted previously awarded CHIPS Act grants into a $5.7 billion investment for a 10% equity stake in Intel Corp, aimed at preventing a potential spinoff of its unprofitable foundry business [2][3]. - The government also acquired a 10% stake in Lithium Americas Corp as part of negotiations to restructure a $2.26 billion federal loan for the Thacker Pass lithium mine, expected to be the largest lithium operation in the Western Hemisphere by 2028 [7]. Group 2: Stock Performance - MP Materials' stock price increased from $45.11 to $74.33, a gain of 64.77% since the government's stake acquisition on July 11 [7]. - Lithium Americas' stock advanced by 20% from $7.04 to $8.45 following the government's stake acquisition on October 1 [7]. - Trilogy Metals' stock surged 215.30% in after-hours trading following the announcement of a 10% stake acquisition through a $35.6 million investment [8]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The acquisition of a "golden share" in US Steel Corporation grants the U.S. government permanent veto authority over key corporate decisions, reflecting a significant shift in government involvement in key industries [4][18]. - The administration's strategy may extend to acquiring stakes in major defense contractors, indicating a broader approach to securing domestic supply chains [9].