U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is exploring using CHIPS Act funds to take stakes in Micron, TSMC, Samsung, etc., with most funds unspent.
Negotiations include a 10% Intel stake in exchange for subsidies—called an "unprecedented initiative" by the White House, aligned with national priorities.
Though Lutnick says no operational interference, the move is unprecedented, potentially expanding U.S. influence over big firms. Treasury’s Scott Bessent is involved, with Trump’s support; the Commerce Department manages the $52.7B CHIPS Act.
Last year, \(4.75B (Samsung), \)6.2B (Micron), $6.6B (TSMC) in subsidies were approved. Lutnick renegotiated Biden-era subsidies (seen as "too generous") in June, with Micron agreeing to boost U.S. plant spending.
ICgoodFind: U.S. plans for chipmaker stakes via CHIPS Act may reshape the industry.
