Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.), a libertarian-minded Republican, criticized the Trump administration’s push to acquire a stake in U.S. chipmaker Intel, suggesting the move would be a “step toward socialism.” “If socialism is government owning the means of production,

The US government is in discussions to potentially take a partial ownership stake in Intel, according to an Aug. 18 report by Bloomberg. The deal could help accelerate the construction of Intel’s long-delayed semiconductor manufacturing plant in Ohio.

Walter Isaacson, Tulane University professor and Perella Weinberg advisory partner, criticized the proposed U.S. government stake in Intel ( NASDAQ: INTC) as a concerning form of “state capitalism.”

Intel 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 Manufacturing

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the White House wouldn't try to flex its power with a stake in Intel.

Enthusiasm for a potential U.S. government stake in Intel Corp. is pushing the chip maker's stock toward its best week in 50 years. Intel shares were up 6.8% in Friday trading, on top of a 7.4% rise in Thursday's session.