Uncle Sam Wants to Be Intel's New Boss in a Shocking $11 Billion Power Play

WASHINGTON – In a move that could redefine the relationship between the U.S. government and Big Tech, the White House is reportedly exploring a radical plan to become the single largest shareholder in semiconductor giant Intel. This unprecedented proposal, born from the ambitious CHIPS Act, would transform billions in public grants into a direct ownership stake, giving Washington a powerful new seat at the table in one of the world's most critical industries.

From Grants to Governance

Sources with direct knowledge of the confidential deliberations have unveiled a stunning scenario currently under consideration. The plan involves converting some, or potentially all, of the $10.9 billion in grant money Intel secured under the 2022 CHIPS Act into a massive equity position. Instead of simply funding the construction of new fabrication plants, the government would be buying a piece of the company itself.

At Intel's current market value, this war chest of grant funding is nearly enough to purchase a 10% stake, which would be valued at approximately $10.5 billion. Such a move would instantly catapult the U.S. government ahead of every other institutional investor, effectively making Uncle Sam the chipmaker's most influential shareholder. The grants, originally intended to be disbursed over time as Intel hit key project milestones, could instead become the buy-in for a historic public-private partnership.

A High-Stakes Bet on American Tech

This potential equity conversion is part of a much larger financial lifeline extended to Intel. The company can also tap into a pool of up to $11 billion in loans under the same legislation, bringing the total potential federal support to nearly $22 billion. The CHIPS Act was designed to reshore critical semiconductor manufacturing for national and economic security, but this latest development suggests a far more hands-on approach than previously imagined.

By taking an ownership stake, the government could gain more direct influence over Intel's strategic direction, ensuring its priorities align with national interests. However, it also wades into the murky waters of public ownership in a fiercely competitive, publicly-traded market, raising questions about the future of corporate independence in strategic sectors.

Is the Deal a Go?

Insiders are quick to emphasize that the plan is still fluid and no final decision has been made. The exact size of the potential stake, and indeed whether the White House will choose to pull the trigger on this bold strategy, remains the subject of intense internal debate. The information remains confidential as officials weigh the groundbreaking implications of such an investment.

The outcome will signal just how far the administration is willing to go to secure America's technological future. Will it remain a benefactor, or will it become a boardroom boss? The future of Intel, and perhaps the entire U.S. tech landscape, could be decided by the answer.