How the Trump Administration's Deal Blocks Intel from Selling Its Foundry Unit

How the Trump Administration's Deal Blocks Intel from Selling Its Foundry Unit

The tech world watched with bated breath in 2025 as Intel navigated a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical concerns and the legacy of the Trump administration. A pivotal piece of that landscape was a deal, carefully structured during Trump's tenure, designed to prevent Intel from selling its foundry unit – a provision that continues to resonate years later. This article will delve into the reasons behind this restriction, its implications for Intel and the broader semiconductor industry, and the long-tail effects it's had on technological competition. The Genesis of the Restriction: National Security Concerns The Trump administration's focus on national security, particularly concerning technology and its potential misuse by foreign adversaries, was no secret. Semiconductors, the building blocks of modern technology, became a focal point. The concern centered around ensuring critical chip manufacturing capabilities remained within the United States or allied nations. All…