Sources indicate that the Trump administration is in talks with Intel about acquiring a stake, potentially with the US government directly investing in the company's plan to build a large-scale manufacturing base in Ohio. This move would not only bolster Intel's financial momentum but also reaffirm the Trump administration's commitment to promoting an "America First" industrial policy.
The discussion between the two sides stems fromTrump's meeting with Intel CEO Lip-Mo Chen this weekIf all goes well, the plan will help restart the Ohio expansion plan that was originally intended to build the world's largest chip factory. The plan has been repeatedly delayed in recent years and was slowed again in July this year.
The market is also concerned about whether the US government's investment means that Chen Lip-wu can continue to lead Intel and continue to promote financial restructuring and strategic adjustments.
As soon as the news came out, Intel's stock price rose significantly by 8.9%, and eventually rose by 7.4%, and at $23.86 per share, Intel's market value returned to $1044 billion.
However, a White House spokesperson responded that any transaction that has not been officially announced is speculation. Intel reiterated its support for the Trump administration's efforts to promote American technological and manufacturing leadership, but would not comment on any market rumors.
In recent years, Intel has faced challenges such as erosion of its technological leadership and declining market share, and has continued to lay off employees and cut costs. Former CEO Pat Gelsinger once made expanding the Ohio plant one of the core plans for the company's revival, but financial pressures delayed the schedule until the 2030s. The US government had previously conceivedIntel factory jointly operated by TSMCHowever, TSMC CEO Wei Zhejia said he is not considering this approach.
Market analysts believe this potential investment is not only a financial rescue for Intel, but also part of a broader effort to strengthen the US's domestic semiconductor production capacity. The Trump administration has directly intervened in the industry numerous times in the past, including restricting chip exports to China, establishing "golden shares" for certain foreign acquisitions, and having the US Department of Defense acquire a stake in US rare earth producer MP Materials.
It is speculated that if the transaction follows the MP Materials investment model, it may combine equity investment, government orders, loans and private financing, and enhance market investment confidence through official cooperation, which will become an important case of the US "national team" strategy in the semiconductor industry.
Reuters NewsFor Intel, whose market value and profits have been declining, this is expected to be a rare "help in times of trouble." The Financial Times believes that the market reaction shows that investors are optimistic about government intervention.wall street journalHe even bluntly stated that if the investment becomes a reality, the US government will gain more say in Intel's strategic direction and extend the "America First" policy to the chip field.
