Former Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) CEO Pat Gelsinger remains a staunch advocate for the CHIPS and Science Act, despite President Donald Trump’s recent calls to scrap the legislation.
In one of his first interviews since departing Intel in December 2024, Gelsinger emphasized the vital role of the CHIPS Act in revitalizing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly from Asia.
CHIPS Act: Gelsinger’s Legacy at Intel
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Gelsinger was the face of the CHIPS Act, frequently appearing alongside President Joe Biden at Intel construction sites to promote the law’s funding benefits. Under his leadership, Intel secured a $7.86 billion grant from the CHIPS Act to support new chip fabrication projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon.
However, Intel’s ambitious $28 billion chip plant project in Ohio—initially expected to open by 2025—was recently delayed until 2030 or 2031, marking a significant setback in the company’s plans.
Trump’s Criticism of the CHIPS Act
Despite its goals of strengthening U.S. chip independence, the CHIPS Act has become a political target. During his joint address to Congress earlier this month, President Trump slammed the law as a “horrible, horrible thing” and urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to dismantle it, reallocating the remaining funds to debt reduction or other purposes.
Ironically, Trump praised Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) for committing $165 billion to build new chip facilities in Arizona, highlighting the complexities of the U.S. semiconductor strategy.
Gelsinger’s Next Chapter: Leading AI and Faith at Gloo
Beyond defending the CHIPS Act, Gelsinger is embarking on a new venture. On Monday, he announced that he will become Executive Chairman and Head of Technology at Gloo, a faith-based technology platform that supports 450,000 churches, nonprofits, and faith organizations.
Gloo is expanding its AI capabilities to enhance community outreach and engagement. Gelsinger, a deeply religious figure, has been involved with Gloo as an investor and chair for over a decade.
Gelsinger’s Vision for the Future
Despite leaving Intel, Gelsinger remains vocal about the importance of domestic chip manufacturing. He warned that rolling back the CHIPS Act would undermine efforts to restore U.S. leadership in semiconductor production and hinder long-term R&D investments.
“The CHIPS Act was designed to close the gaps that had emerged with Asia,” Gelsinger stated, stressing the need to continue expanding U.S. semiconductor infrastructure.
As he takes the helm at Gloo, Gelsinger’s influence will extend beyond technology and business—shaping the future of faith-based AI while continuing to advocate for American chip sovereignty in an increasingly divisive political landscape.
