TLDR
- Intel stock jumped 10% Friday after CEO Lip-Bu Tan met with President Donald Trump
- Trump praised Tan and Intel in a Truth Social post, calling the CEO “very successful”
- The U.S. government’s $8.9 billion stake in Intel, purchased in August at $20.47 per share, is now worth $19.74 billion
- Intel launched its Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first sub-2-nanometer CPU designed, built, and packaged in the U.S.
- The stock has more than doubled since August and is up over 20% year-to-date
Intel stock climbed 10% on Friday following a meeting between CEO Lip-Bu Tan and President Donald Trump. The rally continues a strong run that has seen shares more than double since August.
Trump posted about the meeting on Truth Social, praising Tan as “very successful.” He also highlighted Intel’s latest chip launch. The new Core Ultra Series 3 processors mark a milestone as the first sub-2-nanometer CPU designed, built, and packaged entirely in the United States.
“The United States Government is proud to be a Shareholder of Intel,” Trump wrote. The statement underscores the government’s financial interest in the chipmaker’s success.
Tan responded on X, saying he was honored and “delighted to have the full support and encouragement” of Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. He confirmed the Core Ultra Series 3 processors are now shipping out.
Intel $INTC up 9% today after Trump meets CEO Lip-Bu Tan and praises progress, the US now holds a 5.5% stake and plans to buy more as the push to rebuild US chip manufacturing gains momentum 🇺🇸📷 pic.twitter.com/afAul1v2WS
— Trader Edge (@Pro_Trader_Edge) January 9, 2026
The government stake in Intel is already paying off handsomely. In August, the White House negotiated an $8.9 billion investment, purchasing 433.3 million shares at $20.47 each. Intel stock closed Friday at $45.55 per share.
That makes the government’s position worth $19.74 billion. The investment has more than doubled in value in just four months.
From Rocky Relations to Strong Alliance
The positive relationship between Trump and Tan marks a complete turnaround. Just weeks before the August investment announcement, Trump demanded Tan resign. “Is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
The criticism followed concerns raised by Senator Tom Cotton about Tan’s connections to Chinese companies. Cotton questioned whether these relationships posed a national security risk. He said Intel needed to be a “responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars.”
Intel responded with a statement affirming the company’s commitment to U.S. national and economic security interests. Tan addressed the concerns in a memo to employees. He emphasized his 40-plus years in the industry and stated he always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards.
Strong Stock Performance
Intel shares are up more than 20% since the start of the year. The stock has rallied from lows under $20 earlier in 2025.
Tan took over as CEO in March 2025 during a period of declining sales and company instability. He replaced Pat Gelsinger and has worked to stabilize operations.
The government’s investment came through the CHIPS and Science Act. The funding aims to support semiconductor manufacturing for AI and other advanced technologies within U.S. borders. Trump said the country is “determined to bring leading-edge chip manufacturing back to America.”
Intel stock closed Friday at $45.55, with the 10% gain pushing shares to new highs for the year.
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