The Brian Lehrer Show Tuesday Morning Economic News
Aug 26, 2025
Shawn Donnan, a senior writer for Bloomberg News focused on trade and global business, is joined by Lydia DePillis, a New York Times reporter specializing in the American economy. They discuss the evolving landscape of U.S. investment, highlighting Intel's critical role influenced by government incentives. The conversation critiques recent U.S. trade agreements and examines the complexities of foreign investment promises. They also explore the delicate balance between government intervention and economic stability, alongside concerns over capitalism and Federal Reserve independence.
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Government Stakes In Intel
- Intel received CHIPS Act incentives to rebuild U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity.
- The Trump administration pressed Intel to accept a 10% equity stake tied to those funds.
Live Interview, Dog Interrupts
- Shawn Donnan's dog Toby interrupted the live conversation briefly.
- The casual moment highlighted how remote interviews bring home life into journalism.
Chips As Strategic Infrastructure
- The CHIPS Act aimed to repatriate semiconductor production after pandemic supply shocks.
- Policymakers see semiconductors as strategic, likening chips to the "oil of the 21st century."