The Trump administration is in discussions to acquire a stake in the United States semiconductor giant Intel, according to a Bloomberg report, in a move aimed at boosting domestic chip production.

The deal, if finalized, would support Intel’s expansion of manufacturing in the United States, including its repeatedly delayed chip fabrication plant in Ohio.

The talks come less than a week after President Donald Trump publicly called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan over what he described as potential conflicts of interest. While the president did not elaborate, the demand followed a letter from Republican Senator Tom Cotton to Intel’s board, questioning Tan’s alleged ties to China.

Tan met with administration officials on August 11 to address those concerns and explore ways the company could align more closely with government priorities. Sources told Bloomberg that this meeting prompted discussions over the possibility of the federal government taking a direct equity stake in the company.

Intel has so far declined to confirm the negotiations. “Intel is deeply committed to supporting President Trump’s efforts to strengthen U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Trump administration to advance these shared priorities, but we are not going to comment on rumors or speculation.”

A government investment in Intel would represent a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to secure its semiconductor supply chain, amid ongoing competition with China and global concerns over chip shortages.

The Ohio facility is seen as a cornerstone of that strategy, though its completion has been pushed back several times due to construction and supply delays.