In a bold escalation of government involvement in the tech sector, President Donald Trump is signaling plans to extend the model of his administration’s recent equity stake in Intel Corp. to other critical industries. The $8.9 billion deal, which grants the U.S. government a 10% stake in the chipmaker, was announced last month as a means to bolster domestic semiconductor production and prevent foreign takeovers. Industry executives and analysts are now scrutinizing which sectors might follow, with AI data centers emerging as a prime candidate amid surging demand for computational infrastructure.

The Intel precedent, detailed in a Wired report, involves converting federal grants into equity, a move Trump has hailed as a way to “keep America first” in technology. This approach has sparked debate, with some viewing it as innovative industrial policy and others warning of overreach. As Trump pushes for replication, attention turns to areas where national security intersects with economic growth.

AI Data Centers on the Horizon

White House officials have hinted at AI infrastructure as a logical next step, according to insights from a recent MSN article. The explosive growth in artificial intelligence requires vast data centers, and Trump has already facilitated major investments, such as Meta Platforms Inc.’s $50 billion commitment to a Louisiana facility capable of scaling to five gigawatts for advanced AI training. This aligns with earlier announcements, like the $500 billion private-sector pledge for AI projects under the Stargate initiative, as reported by CNN Business.

Such moves could involve government stakes in data center operators or joint ventures, ensuring U.S. dominance over facilities that power everything from machine learning to national defense systems. Insiders note that energy demands for these centers—often exceeding those of small cities—make them ripe for federal intervention to secure power supplies and reduce reliance on foreign components.

Energy Infrastructure as a Strategic Pillar

Beyond data centers, energy production stands out as another potential target. Trump’s administration has emphasized energy independence, and replicating the Intel model could mean equity investments in utilities or renewable projects tied to tech needs. A Reuters piece highlighted how the president’s $500 billion AI fund includes provisions for energy-efficient infrastructure, potentially leading to stakes in companies like those building nuclear microreactors for data centers.

This strategy addresses bottlenecks in power generation, where AI’s voracious appetite for electricity has strained grids. Analysts predict that government involvement could accelerate projects, but it raises questions about market distortions, as echoed in concerns from The New York Times.

Semiconductors and Supply Chain Extensions

The semiconductor ecosystem, already spotlighted by the Intel deal, may see broader applications. Trump has voiced intentions for “many more” such arrangements, per The New York Times, possibly targeting suppliers of rare-earth materials or advanced manufacturing tools. This could fortify U.S. positions against global rivals like China.

Industry observers warn that while this bolsters resilience, it might deter private investment due to perceived government control, as discussed in a Reuters analysis.

Biotech and Emerging Tech Frontiers

Finally, biotechnology and quantum computing could round out the list, with Trump eyeing stakes to advance health tech and next-gen computing. Drawing from the AI investment trends outlined in a Business Insider forecast, these areas promise high returns but face funding gaps that government equity could fill.

As these plans unfold, the business community remains divided, with some executives embracing the support while others fear a new era of interventionism. The coming months will test whether this replicates Intel’s success or sparks unintended consequences in America’s tech-driven economy.