**National Security Mandate: Intel’s Foundry Unit Secured by Trump Administration Deal**
A strategic agreement struck during the Trump administration included specific provisions designed to prevent Intel from selling off its crucial foundry unit. This measure reflects a profound concern within the U.S. government regarding national security and the critical importance of maintaining domestic control over advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
The rationale behind such a restriction is multi-faceted. Semiconductors are the foundational technology for nearly every modern system, from defense applications and critical infrastructure to AI and advanced computing. Ensuring that a major domestic player like Intel retains and expands its U.S.-based foundry operations mitigates geopolitical risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, safeguarding America’s access to cutting-edge chip production.
While details of such deals are often confidential, the overarching objective aligns with broader U.S. policy aimed at bolstering domestic technological independence. For Intel, this provision effectively mandates a long-term commitment to investing in and growing its foundry services within the United States, cementing its role as a vital component of the nation’s high-tech industrial base.