Haley Attacks Trump Over Intel Deal
Nikki Haley, once considered a rising star in the Republican Party, is now drawing criticism for using President Donald Trump’s latest economic victory as a way to grab headlines. Haley blasted the administration’s decision to secure a 10% stake in Intel, calling it a dangerous expansion of government power.
In a Saturday post on X, the former U.N. ambassador claimed: “Biden was wrong to throw tax dollars at the private sector with the Chips Act. The counter to Biden is not more government ownership. This Intel deal will only mean more subsidies and less productivity.”
Trump Defends Deal as a Win for America
President Trump quickly celebrated the Intel agreement, noting that it cost taxpayers nothing and is already worth an estimated $11 billion.
“This is a great deal for America and for Intel,” Trump declared on Truth Social. “Advanced semiconductor production is critical to the future of our nation, and this agreement ensures America—not China—leads the way.”
Bringing Chip Manufacturing Back Home
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that the U.S. cannot afford to rely on Taiwan, which sits just 80 miles from communist China, for nearly all advanced chip production. “We need these chips built here in America,” he told CNBC, adding that Intel’s U.S. expansion is essential to national security.
Rand Paul Warns of Socialism, Sanders Joins In
The Intel deal has divided Washington. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) called the 10% government stake a “terrible idea” and a “step toward socialism.” At the same time, self-described socialist Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shockingly backed the move, demanding taxpayers share in corporate profits.
Haley’s Relevance Questioned
While Trump pushes a bold America-First strategy to counter China and rebuild U.S. manufacturing, Haley’s critics argue she is simply using this moment to stay politically relevant. Many conservatives point out that her attacks echo Washington insiders more than the grassroots voters who overwhelmingly back Trump’s agenda.