Donald Trump sparked attention on Truth Social after posting an AI-generated image of himself trading Intel stock on three glowing monitors inside the White House. The picture is more than political theater, symbolizing America’s bold push to secure its leadership in semiconductor production rather than a profit-driven move.
Weeks earlier, the US government made history by purchasing a 10% stake in Intel for $8.9 billion. The buy was funded through $5.7 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act and $3.2 billion from the Secure Enclave program, acquiring 433.3 million shares at $20.47 each. The investment stabilized Intel during financial struggles while reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of America’s chip industry.
The AI image reflects reality in subtle ways. On one screen, Intel stock is shown at $20, close to the government’s entry price, while another shows it hitting $30, a level Intel recently reached for the first time in three years. Although Washington has not sold its stake, the post frames it as a triumph, projecting Trump’s leadership as part of Intel’s rally.
Analysts warn the move could influence inexperienced investors, who may view the post as a buy signal and hold strategy. Trump’s gesture risks fueling bullish momentum in Intel stock, driven more by sentiment than fundamentals. “A president setting the tone can shift markets,” noted a Bloomberg analyst.
Adding fuel to the surge, Nvidia invested $5 billion into Intel while co-developing the Intel x86 RTX SoC, which merges CPU and GPU chiplets. This strategic boost pushed Intel shares past $30, raising the government’s stake value from $10 billion to $13 billion in record time. It marked Intel’s strongest single-day rally in 38 years.
Government backing and Nvidia’s entry have revitalized Intel’s liquidity and reputation. Still, experts caution that the rally is fragile, hinging heavily on market confidence. Investors are urged to weigh fundamentals carefully before following political signals into volatile waters.
