COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio representatives and stakeholders are responding to President Donald Trump's call to end the CHIPS Act, which brought in billions for Ohio's Intel plant.
In an address Tuesday to Congress, Trump called the CHIPS Act a "horrible, horrible thing," asking for it to be discontinued. As of January, Intel had received $2.2 billion of its promised $7.86 billion in CHIPS Act funding, a November award that was seen as crucial to it's major Ohio plant. However, Ohio leaders say it is Intel, not the CHIPS Act, that is ultimately responsible for completing the Ohio One plant.
"We give hundreds of billions of dollars and it doesn't mean a thing. They take our money and don't spend it," Trump said in his address. "You should get rid of the CHIPS Act, and whatever's left over, Mr. Speaker, you should use it to reduce debt, or any other reason you want to."
How Trump's speech could affect Intel's New Albany plantBehind Trump, former Ohio Senator and current Vice President JD Vance applauded Trump's sentiment before following Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's lead and standing to applaud. In Vance's Senate term, he collaborated with former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) to accelerate legislation to boost semiconductor projects.
Through a spokesperson, Gov. Mike DeWine said Intel's commitment to central Ohio extends beyond CHIPS Act funding. When Intel first announced the project, it was done alongside then-President Joe Biden, but the announcement did not have guaranteed CHIPS Act funding.
"When Intel announced the New Albany project, they committed to it whether the CHIPS Act was passed or not," Press Secretary Dan Tierney said. "The company remains committed to onshoring its manufacturing, which aligns with President Trump’s semiconductor strategy and onshoring strategy."
Tierney said it was important not to jump to comments or conclusions until a clear proposal moves through Congress. Sen. Jon Husted, who was crucial in Ohio's Intel project and has a record of applauding CHIPS Act funding for the state, said Wednesday that the bipartisan CHIPS Act furthers Trump's goals.
Ohio bill to ban DEI in public schools has first hearing“The CHIPS Act was one of the only major bipartisan pieces of legislation to pass in the last Congress, and I am confident bipartisan support remains," Husted said. "For the economic and national security of America, we need to make chips in the USA — I believe this is part of an America First agenda. Making chips in places like Ohio will make sure that China doesn’t win.”
Husted was lieutenant governor when Intel decided to create its $28 billion plant in New Albany as part of the largest private investment in Ohio history. Jim Tressel now holds that role, and he said he remains confident that central Ohio will be a hub for chip manufacturing.
"Everything I’ve heard Intel say is they’re committed to our region, they’re already well into their project and we’re going to need lots of chips built lots of places," Tressel said. "I don't think anything we do anymore goes without chips, and so I think we’ll be fine."
New Albany officials echoed Tressel's opinion, releasing a statement about Trump's speech. The city said there may be renegotiations in the CHIPS Act, but it expects the project will not be shaken by any CHIPS Act adjustments. Matt Englehart with JobsOhio, the organization who helped facilitate Intel's investment alongside the governor's office, said Intel's commitment began without CHIPS Act funding and construction will continue.
Nelsonville’s government is working to replace itself, but it may lack the authorityRep. Troy Balderson, a Republican, represents the area directly affected by Intel's Ohio construction. Balderson said the Biden Administration's "botched" implementation of the CHIPS Act interfered with domestic chip manufacturing. He said he expects Intel to keep its promises, with or without CHIPS Act funding.
"Intel made a commitment to Ohio and to our kids. The Ohio One project promised to be full speed ahead, regardless of supplemental federal funding -- while passage of the CHIPS Act would allow Intel to 'go faster and further,'" Balderson said. "Intel made it clear from the outset that they would make a historic investment with or without the CHIPS Act, and Ohioans fully expect them to keep their promise."
Balderson voted for the CHIPS Act and said his support would protect a a "once-in-a-lifetime investment in Ohio." At the time, he said the CHIPS Act investment in Ohio was a "key step" in ensuring Intel's construction continued, and he called for the federal government to fulfill its commitment to Ohioans.
Many leaders, including President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Steve Stivers, said the CHIPS Act furthered Trump's goals of promoting American manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Stivers said the chamber hopes Trump and his administration will continue to support this industry.
Intel announced further delays in the Ohio One project last week, with construction now scheduled for completion in 2030 or 2031. Initially, both manufacturing fabs were expected to be finished in 2025.
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