Former Intel CEO Proposes $40 Billion Plan to Revitalize U.S. Chip Manufacturing

Former Intel CEO Craig Barrett has proposed a robust plan to rescue Intel and secure America's advanced chip manufacturing leadership by urging a $40 billion investment from key U.S. technology customers such as Nvidia, Apple, and Google. Barrett argues that Intel is the only U.S. company capable of delivering state-of-the-art logic manufacturing, which is critical for national security and supply chain stability, especially since competitors like TSMC and Samsung are not expected to bring cutting-edge manufacturing to the U.S. soon. He criticizes the current Intel leadership's hesitancy to invest in next-generation technologies like the 14A process without customer commitments, emphasizing that leadership requires proactive technological innovation. Barrett also suggests that imposing tariffs on high-end semiconductor imports could incentivize domestic investment, similar to measures taken for steel and aluminum industries. Despite political pressures on Intel's CEO Lip-Bu Tan, including calls from President Trump for his resignation over alleged Chinese ties, Barrett maintains that divesting manufacturing is not a viable solution and that coordinated investment from customers and government support is essential. Overall, Barrett's plan stresses that a collaborative effort between Intel, U.S. tech firms, and government policy is necessary to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.