So, a detail from this Intel deal with the government.. which apparently isn’t finalized? Intel’s agreement with the U.S. government that includes a clause allowing the federal government to acquire an additional five percent stake in the company if it loses controlling interest in its foundry business. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that the details of the deal are still being finalized by the Department of Commerce. Intel has also warned in a corporate filing that this deal could lead to adverse reactions from various stakeholders, including investors and employees.
Why do we care?
Intel’s deal with the U.S. government? It’s not signed yet—and it’s already weird. Buried in there is a clause that would let the feds grab another five percent of Intel if the company lost control of its foundry business. That’s not your usual subsidy language.
The White House says details are still being worked out, and Intel itself told investors this could cause backlash. No kidding. This is government meddling in corporate governance in a way we don’t normally see in the U.S.
For MSPs, the angle is clear: chip supply is national security, and governments will bend the rules to keep it in-country. That might help stabilize the hardware pipeline you rely on, but don’t ignore the other side—it injects political risk right into the middle of your vendors’ business models.