Craig Barrett’s $40 Billion Plan to Save Intel and U.S. Chipmaking

Munish Gupta

Published on November 6, 2025

In an exclusive interview, former Intel CEO Craig Barrett has revealed an all-encompassing plan intended to save U.S. chip manufacturing and revive the general American semiconductor industry as well as Intel’s competitive edge. Confronted with rising worldwide issues and domestic chip industry reverses, Barrett is sounding the call and suggesting practical solutions.

Craig Barrett, who steered Intel through a major growth phase in the early 2000s, is urging U.S. leaders to view semiconductor manufacture as a crucial national security and economic independence concern. He warns that the country is very exposed to its reliance on foreign manufacturing facilities, particularly those in East Asia.

Barrett remarked, “We cannot restore advanced chip manufacturing with merely short-term political enthusiasm,” adding that what we need is a vision span of 10 to 20 years. His suggested strategy to save U.S. chip manufacturing focuses on increased cooperation between the public and private sectors, simplified regulations, and ongoing support for STEM education.

Barrett’s observations are essential for Intel. Once the undisputed leader in cutting-edge chip manufacturing, Intel has struggled to match rivals such as TSMC and Samsung. To recover its competitive standing, Barrett’s plan to save U.S. chip manufacturing advises the company to increase its emphasis on innovation, streamline management structures, and explore strategic alliances, even with former foes.

One of the main components of his plan to save U.S. chip manufacturing is to reevaluate the distribution of funds from the CHIPS and Science Act. He contends that the significant investments may not produce the required change without adequate accountability and well-defined milestones. He highlights the urgent need to develop talent pipelines and update technical education to guarantee the industry’s long-term viability.

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Barrett’s idea of saving U.S. chip manufacturing surfaces at a point when Intel is under scrutiny for product introductions and delays in opening new fabrication facilities. His strategy calls for a change in culture and practices in addition to more funding. In essence, his message is unambiguous; America’s dominance in semiconductors will call for more than only monetary funding.