Trump Taking Over $100 Million Stake
In a major step to secure America’s technological future, the Trump administration is preparing to take a $150 million equity stake in xLight — a fast-rising U.S. startup developing breakthrough laser technology for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
The Commerce Department confirmed it has signed a preliminary letter of intent to support xLight through CHIPS Act incentives, giving U.S. taxpayers direct ownership in a company positioned to reshape the global chip market.
A Bold Trade-and-Technology Strategy Under President Trump
xLight, chaired by former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, is developing free-electron lasers capable of transforming lithography — the step where powerful beams of light etch ultra-small patterns onto silicon wafers.
For years, America lagged behind foreign competitors in advanced lithography. Under President Trump, that dynamic is changing fast.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick praised the investment as a turning point.
“America spent years letting other nations dominate advanced lithography, but President Trump has put an end to that.”
Lutnick said xLight’s technology could rewrite the limits of chipmaking and, most importantly, bring critical semiconductor breakthroughs back to American soil.
Why xLight’s Laser Technology Matters for U.S. Security and Manufacturing
Current advanced chipmaking relies on laser-produced plasma, which experts say is a major bottleneck restricting output.
xLight’s free-electron laser platform promises to:
✔ Increase chip production speed
✔ Reduce manufacturing limitations
✔ Strengthen secure U.S. supply chains
✔ Position America as a global leader once again
According to Lutnick:
“This is the type of breakthrough that puts America back in the driver’s seat and ensures future semiconductor technology is made here at home. This is the CHIPS program working the way it was intended.”
Part of Trump’s Larger Strategy to Rebuild American Industry
The move is the latest in a series of strategic equity investments under President Trump. His administration has already taken stakes in:
- Intel
- U.S. Steel
- MP Materials
- Lithium Americas
- Trilogy Metals
This approach sets Trump apart from past administrations — especially the Biden White House — which relied heavily on grants and loans with limited returns.
Trump’s strategy offers:
⭐ More accountability
⭐ More long-term value for taxpayers
⭐ Stronger American ownership of critical industries
A Major Win for U.S. Jobs, Manufacturing, and National Security
By pairing private-sector innovation with direct federal investment, the administration is working to ensure that America, not China, leads the next generation of semiconductor technology.
This initiative boosts:
- U.S. manufacturing
- National security
- Job creation
- Technological independence
- Supply-chain resilience
