Former Intel CEO Barrett says customers should bail out Intel

Former Intel CEO Craig Barrett believes that Intel can be saved if its customers invest a total of $40 billion in the company. Barrett argues that this investment would ensure a steady supply of American-made semiconductors, which is crucial for national security and negotiating with competitors like TSMC. Barrett's comments come as current Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan is scheduled to meet with President Trump, although the meeting is not on the public calendar. Intel is facing several challenges, including layoffs, potential exit from chip manufacturing, and pressure from Trump to step down. Barrett rejects the suggestion from former Intel board members to fire Tan and break up the company, calling it an overcomplicated solution. Instead, he believes that customer investment and government support, such as tariffs on imported high-tech semiconductors, could help revive Intel's core manufacturing strength and secure the domestic supply of crucial chips.