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Trump Eyes Government Control of Quantum Computing Firms With Intel-Like Deals
Donald Trump is eyeing taking equity stakes in quantum computing firms in exchange for federal funding, The Wall Street Journal reported.
At least five companies are weighing whether allowing the government to become a shareholder would be worth it to snag funding that the Trump administration has "earmarked for promising technology companies," sources familiar with the potential deals told the WSJ.
IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum are currently in talks with the government over potential funding agreements, with minimum awards of $10 million each, some sources said. Quantum Computing Inc. and Atom Computing are reportedly "considering similar arrangements," as are other companies in the sector, which is viewed as critical for scientific advancements and next-generation technologies.
No deals have been completed yet, sources said, and terms could change as quantum-computing firms weigh the potential risks of government influence over their operations.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by khallow on Wednesday October 29, @03:58AM
That's bullshit.
First, the US government is a lousy shareholder. Even if Trump were somehow a good investor that would positively contribute to these companies, which he isn't, we'd lose him the next election, assuming he doesn't leave the presidency early. Then who is in charge of that government investment? Even if you think Trump is hot stuff, the previous presidents were Biden, Obama, and Bush. None with any competence in investment (aside from leveraging their political power for profit?). Maybe Clinton would be that knowledgeable investor who'll make this win-win last longer than the next election? Dumb politicians using ownership in the companies as more tools to implement dumb ideas and policy.
Second, it's a waste of taxpayer money. The US government would get a piece of the action anyway through income and capital gains taxes. Any such investment becomes a hungry mouth to feed (for example, socialize the cost, privatize the profit) and a large avenue for corruption.
My take? Don't do it and then I won't have an opportunity to say "I told you so!"