**Intel’s Foundry Unit: A Strategic Hold Under Trump-Era Deal**
A key component of the Trump administration’s efforts to bolster American semiconductor manufacturing was a deal structured to prevent Intel from selling its foundry unit. This strategic move aimed to ensure that the United States retained critical domestic chip production capabilities, particularly in the face of increasing global competition and supply chain vulnerabilities.
The agreement underscores a broader governmental push to reinvest in and secure the national technology base. By tying Intel’s hands regarding a potential divestment of its foundry operations, the administration signaled a clear intent to keep advanced chip manufacturing firmly rooted on U.S. soil, rather than risk its acquisition by foreign entities or its relocation abroad. This measure reflects a growing recognition of semiconductors as a national security and economic imperative, influencing policy decisions long after the administration that initiated it.