Post Reports Trump makes the government Intel’s largest investor
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Aug 26, 2025 
Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the Trump administration's unprecedented deal with Intel, where the government acquires a 10% stake. He unpacks the implications of this shift in government-business dynamics and compares it to historical bailouts. The conversation highlights concerns from free-market conservatives about potential overreach and the risks to taxpayers. De Vynck also discusses the importance of Intel in domestic semiconductor production and the balance between national security and economic interests.
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Government Becomes Intel's Biggest Shareholder
- The U.S. government bought a 10% stake in Intel, making it the company's largest shareholder after spending nearly $9 billion.
- This direct equity ownership is rare and marks a major shift in how the federal government interacts with big business.
Grants Recast As Equity Purchase
- The Trump administration converted prior grant and incentive funding into a direct equity purchase of Intel shares.
- Intel effectively traded ownership dilution for renewed access to federal chip-building funds.
From CHIPS Grants To Equity Stakes
- Both parties previously supported moving chip manufacturing to the U.S. using grants and tax incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act.
- The new approach replaces conditional grants with equity stakes that let taxpayers benefit if companies succeed but also risk losses if companies fail.