Intel is seeking assistance from U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo amid significant financial struggles, having lost 60% of its value this year. CEO Pat Gelsinger has expressed concern over the heavy reliance of American companies on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for chip production, urging the government to encourage partnerships with Intel instead. Raimondo has conducted private meetings with investors from major tech firms, including Nvidia and Apple, to stress the importance of supporting U.S. foundries in light of geopolitical risks associated with Taiwan. Intel, which has been awarded $8.5 billion in CHIPS Act funding and could receive an additional $11 billion in loans, has yet to see these funds distributed, as the government awaits improvements from the company. The firm is actively building plants across four U.S. states to enhance its foundry business and compete with TSMC and Samsung. Despite these efforts, Intel faces challenges in the microprocessor market, particularly in the booming AI sector where competitors like Nvidia dominate.