U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joins “Mornings with Maria” to outline the Trump administration’s push for a $1 trillion investment in semiconductors aimed at strengthening national security and bringing chip manufacturing back to the United States.
In a wide-ranging interview, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified the Trump administration’s position on a number of issues, from Greenland to the importance of semiconductors to the government’s recent investment in a major technology company.
Lutnick supports Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s statement that a possible acquisition of Greenland is essential to national security, adding from the stage of the World Economic Forum that the White House will continue its efforts despite the Arctic country’s reported hesitation.
“It is important for us to protect the Western Hemisphere. America’s strength in the Western Hemisphere is vital to the world. When America shines, the world shines,” Lutnick said. Maria Bartiromo of FOX Business at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“The president is going to come and talk about it. He’s going to meet with European leaders. He’s going to talk to them. And I assume they’ll find a solution. But he wants them at the table. He wants them serious…if you provoke the president, you’ll get a response.”
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“Right after World War II, it was America that protected the shipping lanes between Europe and the United States. As the Arctic opens up…what do you think will happen?” he continued. “We need these shipping lanes. You need to be protected. You can’t have Chinese or Russian ships while you’re going through that strait. So America has to protect it. That’s the key and it’s part of our national security.”
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick speaks at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, January 20, 2026. (Getty Images)
Additionally, in an effort to strengthen U.S. defense and economic competitiveness, Lutnick said the government will increase its support for domestic projects. semiconductor chip production and took a roughly 10% stake in Intel as part of a federal investment plan tied to U.S. chipmaking incentives.
“We’re going to invest $1 trillion in semiconductors in America, get up to 40% market share and at least be able to take care of ourselves,” Lutnick said.
“Mornings with Maria” anchor Maria Bartiromo interviews U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, about President Donald Trump’s plan to acquire Greenland, tariffs and U.S. economic growth.
“If you don’t make chips, you can’t have robots, you can’t have drones, you can’t take care of yourself. So we have to produce semiconductor chips at home to protect ourselves,” he added.
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“Let’s talk about Intel for a moment,” Lutnick shifted gears. “The Biden administration had given Intel $10 billion to build semiconductors in America, which they were already doing…so we negotiated, and we said, okay, you can keep the money. It’s already been signed, sealed, and delivered, and you’re giving us 10% equity in the company. Right? And now we can help them because we want Intel to succeed in America. It’s important to us that we build semiconductors in America. semiconductors in America And what happened: the stock is up 3,540% since then.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joins “Mornings with Maria” to discuss President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand his $1 trillion trade deal with the EU, boost U.S. technology investment and challenge Europe’s tough regulations.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said the company remains committed to advancing American technology and domestic semiconductor manufacturing. In a statement after the government investment, Tan said Intel appreciated the administration’s confidence and looked forward to working with policymakers to strengthen the U.S. technology and manufacturing base.