Bernie Sanders Endorses Trump Plan for Government Stakes in Chipmakers

Sanders, an Independent who aligns with Democrats in the Senate, argued that taxpayers should benefit when public funds generate private profits. “If microchip companies make a profit from the generous grants they receive from the federal government, the taxpayers of America have a right to a reasonable return on that investment,” Sanders said in a statement to Reuters.

The subsidies were approved under the 2022 Chips and Science Act, which set aside $39 billion to encourage domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on Asian supply chains. According to Reuters, U.S. officials have been working to distribute the funds while weighing additional conditions on how companies can use them.

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Sources told Reuters that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is reviewing whether the government should take equity stakes in Intel and other chipmakers as part of the funding arrangements. While Intel has been allocated $10.9 billion, a large portion of the overall aid—designated for companies including Micron, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., and Samsung—has yet to be disbursed.

The debate over subsidies reflects broader concerns in Washington about securing supply chains, protecting taxpayer money, and ensuring that federal investment leads to long-term economic benefits.

Source: Reuters