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Investing.com-- The U.S. government is weighing taking equity stakes in semiconductor firms receiving CHIPS Act subsidies to build factories in the country, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar.
Apart from Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is also exploring deals with Micron (NASDAQ:MU), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) (NYSE:TSM), and Samsung (KS:005930) that would see Washington secure ownership interests in return for billions in grants, the report said.
The move would mark a historic shift in U.S. industrial policy, giving the government direct influence over companies key to national security. The White House has already confirmed talks with Intel on a potential 10% stake.
Lutnick, backed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has pushed the approach as Trump signals support, Reuters said.
Washington last year allocated $6.6 billion to TSMC, $6.2 billion to Micron, and $4.75 billion to Samsung, according to the report.