WSJ What’s News: Detailed Summary of "Could the U.S. Government Be Considering Buying a Stake in Intel?"

Release Date: August 15, 2025
Host: Azhar Sukri
Podcast: WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal

1. US-Russia Summit in Alaska: Diverging Agendas

The episode opens with a significant focus on the high-stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, set against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in Ukraine.

• Trump’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict:

  President Trump emphasizes his role in the Ukraine situation, asserting his influence over Russia's actions. At [00:11], Trump declares:

  "It's a war that should have never happened if I weren't president. In my opinion, he would much rather take off, take over all of Ukraine. But I am president and he's not going to mess around with me."

  In a subsequent discussion at [01:37], Trump elaborates on the summit's objectives:

  "I think it's going to be a good meeting... We're going to see what happens. And I think President Putin will make peace, I think President Zelensky will make peace."

• Contrasting Perspectives on Negotiations:

  The Wall Street Journal correspondent, Thomas Grove, offers a deeper analysis at [02:13], highlighting Putin's long-term strategy:

  "One of the most important things that this does for Russia and Putin right now is that it prolongs peace talks... They want international recognition for the gains that they've made on the battlefield and continue to make on the battlefield."

  Grove suggests that while Trump aims for a swift resolution, Putin is inclined to extend negotiations to solidify Russia's position without facing further sanctions.

• Military Realities on the Ground:

  Later in the episode, Marcus Walker, the South Europe bureau chief, provides insights into the bleak prospects for a ceasefire. At [08:53], Walker states:

  "For Putin, it's about more than just territory... his strategic goals... go much, much further."

  He further explains the grueling nature of the conflict, comparing it to a mix of World War I tactics and high-tech drone warfare, underscoring the heavy toll on both Russian and Ukrainian forces.

2. Potential U.S. Government Stake in Intel: A Shift in Tech Policy

A significant portion of the episode delves into the Trump administration's consideration of acquiring a financial stake in Intel, marking a notable departure from traditional business practices.

• Trump’s Pressure on Intel Leadership:

  President Trump has called for Intel CEO Lip Bhutan’s resignation, citing conflicts of interest due to Bhutan's investments in Chinese technology firms. At [05:09], reporter Stu Wu elaborates:

  "President Trump discussed this idea during a meeting at the White House on Monday with Intel CEO Lip Bhutan... If it did happen, it would be unprecedented, the US government taking an active role in a private company."

• Rationale Behind the Potential Investment:

  Stu Wu provides context at [06:01], explaining the administration's motives:

  "The US Government believes the military battles of the future are going to be won via artificial intelligence... The issue is that the US really doesn't make its own computer chips. Right now, Intel is their best shot at doing that."

  He underscores the strategic importance of securing domestic chip production to bolster national security and advance the "America First" manufacturing agenda.

• Broader Intervention in the Tech Sector:

  The discussion extends to Trump’s proactive measures in the technology industry. Wu notes:

  "Trump has been far more interventionist in the tech sector than his predecessors... He recently got Nvidia and AMD... to pay the government 15% of their sales to China in exchange for exporting these really coveted chips."

  This approach emphasizes the administration's intent to exert greater governmental control over private tech companies to safeguard American interests.

3. Washington, D.C. Police Reform and Federal Intervention

The episode touches on internal U.S. politics, specifically President Trump's moves to assert federal control over Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department.

• Appointment of Terry Cole:

  Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed Terry Cole, head of the DEA, as the emergency police commissioner for D.C., requiring local police to seek Cole’s approval for orders.

• Local Government’s Pushback:

  In response, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser criticizes the federal takeover, stating at [03:03]:

  "There was, quote, no statute that conveys the district's personnel authority to a federal official."

  This tension highlights the broader conflict between federal authority and local governance in the capital.

4. Apple’s Technological Developments and Berkshire Hathaway’s Moves

Shifting focus to the technology sector, the episode covers Apple’s reinstatement of a key feature and Berkshire Hathaway’s investment strategies.

• Apple Watch’s Blood Oxygen Feature Returns:

  After a two-year hiatus due to patent disputes with Masimo, Apple has reintroduced the blood oxygen monitoring feature in select Apple Watch models, enhancing their health-tracking capabilities.

• Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Shifts:

  Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has reduced its holdings in Apple while increasing its investment in UnitedHealth Group, indicating a strategic realignment of its portfolio.

5. Prospects for Peace in Ukraine and Ongoing Conflict

Returning to the Ukraine conflict, the episode evaluates the potential outcomes of the Trump-Putin summit.

• Territorial Compromises and Ceasefire Challenges:

  Marcus Walker assesses the likelihood of territorial concessions by Ukraine in exchange for peace. At [10:39], Walker expresses skepticism:

  "It would be a big surprise. Much as the Ukrainians are tired... Putin has not got the result he wants yet..."

  He emphasizes that without significant pressure on Russia to adjust its political objectives, the war is far from resolution.

• Human and Technological Costs:

  The protracted nature of the conflict, marked by high casualties and advanced drone warfare, continues to strain both nations, with little sign of imminent peace.

Conclusion

In this episode of WSJ What’s News, Azhar Sukri navigates through a complex web of international diplomacy, technological intervention, and internal U.S. politics. The potential U.S. government stake in Intel represents a pivotal shift in government-business relations, reflecting broader themes of national security and economic strategy. Concurrently, the fragile prospects for peace in Ukraine underscore the persistent global tensions that shape market movements and geopolitical stability. Through expert analysis and firsthand reporting, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing today's most pressing news stories.

Produced by Daniel Bock | Supervising Producer: Piers Lynch