Trump Administration Acquires Equity Stakes in Major U.S. Corporations

The administration of Donald Trump has implemented a policy of acquiring direct equity stakes in several American corporations, citing the CHIPS and Science Act as justification. Through the U.S. Department of Commerce, the federal government acquired a 10% stake in Intel Corp., a 15% stake in MP Materials, and equity positions in Global Foundries and SandboxAQ.

Beyond minority stakes, the government secured a golden share in U.S. Steel to maintain veto power over major corporate decisions and entered an agreement to own up to 20% of Westinghouse Electric. These moves have drawn criticism from some Republican senators, including Ted Cruz and Todd Young, who argue the federal government should not act as an equity holder in private industry.

White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett defended the strategy, stating that President Trump's history of buying and selling assets guides these decisions. Hassett denied that the policy represents a shift toward socialism or state capitalism.