Trump called out after big Intel move: 'Literally communism'

President Donald Trump has wielded his insult machine at Democrats he claims are "socialists" and "communists," but the state purchase of Intel has many, including conservatives, questioning whether he's the real "big government" guy.

On Friday, computer chip manufacturer Intel agreed to allow the government to purchase 10% of its company, making the U.S. government the largest shareholder in the company, NPR reported.

Libertarian Cato Institute vice president Scott Lincicome took to X to list off some of the worst possible outcomes of such a purchase, namely that it is "bad for Intel's long-term viability, as politics, not commercial considerations, increasingly drive its decisions." He added that it's also bad for Intel competitors, because the U.S. is being seen as picking winners and losers. It can also be problematic because Intel doesn't just manufacture computer chips, it has its claws in a number of other businesses.

"Washington will be Intel's single largest shareholder, and have a massive political/financial interest in the company's operations here and abroad. If you think this share will remain passive, I've got an unfinished chip factory in Ohio to sell you," he later added.

"Trump says Intel CEO agreed to give U.S. government $10 billion. Trump implies it’s an equity stake. The irony of his criticism of Democratic-Socialists as communists when, if this is true, its actual government takeover of private industry," said former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks, a co-host of the "Sisters in Law" podcast.

Conservative former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum pointed out, "On the same day, Trump is promoting government ownership of Intel and military patrols of Chicago, New York City, following upon existing military control of Los Angeles and District of Columbia. But apparently only RINOs still care about free enterprise and civilian rule. The conservatives these days get much more excited about the marketing decisions of roadside restaurant chains."

"Trump wants the U.S. government to take a 10% stake in Intel. Make no mistake: Trump’s "state capitalism" has nothing to do with public ownership, socialism, helping the working class, or improving national security. It’s another personal power grab," said former Labor Secretary Robert Reich.

Dan Shafer, political editor of Civic Media commented, "It's so funny to me that there are all these 'free market' think tanks in Wisconsin and none of them have said a single godd--n thing about tariffs, or the federal government buying a stake in Intel, or any of the very much not free market things happening in the Trump admin."

After Trump teased the idea on Wednesday, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) lamented, "If socialism is government owning the means of production, wouldn’t the government owning part of Intel be a step toward socialism? Terrible idea."

"Small government conservative," wrote Spencer Hakimian, the founder of Tolou Capital Management, his written voice dripping with sarcasm. He later agreed that Trump was a "socialist."

"Trump just announced that the CEO of Intel has agreed to give the US government a 10% stake in the company. That is literally communism!!!!!!!!!" Bernard Taylor, a local firefighter and paramedic running for Congress in Florida, exclaimed.