Trump administration considers 10% federal stake in Intel

Key Takeaways:

• White House officials are considering a 10 percent federal stake in Intel.
• The share would amount to a partial nationalization of the semiconductor manufacturer.
• Critics label the idea “another dive into corporate statism.”
• The plan was first reported by WBUR & NPR on August 19, 2025.
• The proposal highlights renewed scrutiny of government intervention in technology firms.

An Unusual Ownership Idea
The Trump administration is deliberating whether the federal government should purchase roughly one-tenth of Intel, according to a WBUR & NPR report published on August 19. Such a move would give Washington a seat—albeit a small one—at the table of America’s most prominent chipmaker.

“Another Dive into Corporate Statism”
The brief description of the proposal pulls no punches, casting it as “another dive into corporate statism.” The phrase signals concern that the state is edging deeper into private-sector boardrooms, a theme that has trailed previous economic initiatives from the administration.

A Partial Nationalization
At 10 percent, the contemplated holding would stop short of full control yet still qualify as a nationalized share. While details on funding, governance, or timing were not included in the WBUR & NPR account, the very prospect of government equity in a leading technology firm marks a notable departure from hands-off market orthodoxy.

What Happens Next
WBUR’s report offers no timeline for a decision, and the administration has not publicly confirmed the discussions. For now, the idea remains just that—a proposal under review, but one that underscores how central the semiconductor sector has become to national policy debates.

The Broader Question
Whether the stake materializes or not, the episode revives an old question: how much ownership, if any, should the U.S. government take in strategic industries? As the conversation unfolds, Intel’s boardroom—and Wall Street—will be watching closely.