According to Reuters, the Taiwanese chipmaking giant would run the show but keep its ownership stake below 50 per cent, ensuring Uncle Sam doesn’t throw a fit about foreign control. Qualcomm got an invite to the party but reportedly walked away before things got too messy.

Donald [hamburger-eating surrender monkey] Trump’s administration is behind the push, apparently urging TSMC to step in and salvage what’s left of Intel’s manufacturing credibility. The situation is dire given that Chipzilla posted an eye-watering $18.8 billion loss in 2024—its first since the 80s. The foundry division alone sits on $108 billion worth of plant and equipment, but it’s been bleeding cash.

TSMC and Trump announced a separate $100 billion investment into US chip production on March 3, but the discussions about Intel’s foundry are still ongoing.

Sources claim multiple companies have considered buying chunks of Chipzilla, but Intel’s board is dead set against selling off its chip design unit separately.

Even within Intel, a civil war is brewing, with some board members backing a deal while executives dig in their heels.

One of the most significant sticking points is Intel’s advanced 18A manufacturing process. The company reportedly tries to convince TSMC that it’s superior to the Taiwanese giant’s 2nm tech. Nvidia, Broadcom, and AMD are all testing 18A, but whether they’ll sign on remains to be seen.

If this deal goes through, it’ll be one of the biggest shakeups in the semiconductor world. Intel and TSMC have always been bitter rivals, running completely different fabs with incompatible processes, chemicals, and tools. Getting them to cooperate would be like herding cats—expensive, messy, and probably full of drama.

Chipzilla’s fate hangs in the balance, with Wall Street’s cocaine nose jobs watching closely. If TSMC and its potential partners bite, Intel might get a lifeline. If not, the once-mighty American chip icon could be in even deeper trouble.