Lutnick just laughed it off, indignantly pointing out that “we were just giving away the money” under the previous terms of the CHIPS Act. But the legality of any equity stake would likely be challenged by both Intel shareholders and competitors in the industry, according to the Times.

Shares in the chip maker rose following news of SoftBank’s planned investment and a possible stake for the U.S. government.

After months of turbulence, Intel Corp. bulls are finally being rewarded for their patience. But the stock’s sudden rebound comes with a worrying side effect: a valuation so high its most recent precedent is from the dot-com era more than two decades ago.

Intel stock was moving as it looks to be set to get the U.S. government as a shareholder. The Trump administration could pursue equity stakes in other companies including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufact

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said any U.S. investment in Intel would be aimed at helping the troubled chipmaker stabilize, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the government wanted equity stakes in exchange for its support of semiconductor manufacturers.

The stock closed nearly 7% higher Tuesday after Japan’s SoftBank (JP:9984) agreed to invest $2 billion in

Stock futures fell Wednesday as markets awaited earnings from big-name retailers and the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting.These stocks were poised to make moves Wednesday:Palantir Technologies fell 0.

If it were to happen, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US wouldn't pressure companies to buy Intel chips. A possible deal would be for the US to exchange $10.9 billion in grants for a stake.