Former CEO says US ‘needs’ Intel: here’s what he believes could save INTC shares

Intel Corp (NASDAQ: INTC) is in focus on Tuesday after Craig Barrett, its former chief executive, issued a stark warning: the US can’t afford to lose the company’s cutting-edge chip manufacturing capabilities.

In a recent commentary, Barrett emphasised INTC’s strategic importance to national security and technological leadership.

His message is clear: Intel’s survival is not just a corporate issue – it’s a national imperative.

Barrett’s remarks arrive as Intel stock continues to struggle, weighed down by competitive pressure and concerns over its ability to scale production.

At the time of writing, INTC shares are trading down some 23% versus their year-to-date high.  

What could breathe new life into Intel stock?

Craig Barrett believes the key to revitalising Intel shares lies in direct investment from its biggest customers.

According to him, companies like Apple, Nvidia, Google, and others, flush with cash, should each contribute billions to secure a stake in INTC’s future.

Why? These firms rely heavily on advanced chip manufacturing, and having a domestic second source offers pricing leverage, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical stability.

For Intel, this capital infusion could fund critical technology upgrades and capacity expansion.

For customers, it’s a strategic hedge against overreliance on foreign foundries like TSMC.

Barrett envisions a mutually beneficial alliance: guaranteed supply for investors, and a revitalised INTC stock capable of competing at the highest level.

Barrett doesn’t see eye-to-eye with the current Intel CEO

In his recent commentary, Barrett also criticised Intel’s current leadership (Lip-Bu Tan), especially his view that investing in new technology, like the 14A node, should wait until customers commit.

Calling his approach “a joke”, Barrett said leadership in semiconductor manufacturing demands bold, proactive innovation, adding waiting for client sign-ups signals weakness and risks falling behind global competitors.

Barrett insisted that customers won’t back a lagging technology – they want to bet on a winner.

He also dismissed the notion that a “split” will attract investments and revitalise Intel stock, calling it a distraction from the real issue: securing immediate funding and recommitting to manufacturing excellence.

In his view, hesitation is the biggest enemy standing in the way of the INTC share price increase.  

Can INTC shares really rebound from current levels?

Craig Barrett’s message isn’t just aimed at Intel’s boardroom – it’s a rallying cry to policymakers and corporate America.

According to him, the US government could catalyse customer investment through aggressive trade policy, such as imposing tariffs on imported advanced semiconductors.

Barrett also urged Intel’s board to take decisive action and stop dithering over structural changes.

The path forward, he argued, is clear: customer-backed investment, government support, and a renewed commitment to technological leadership.

If these forces align, Intel stock could not only rebound – but reassert its role as the cornerstone of America’s tech future.

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