Public Stakes in Private Profits; When Governments Become Shareholders

What happens when Uncle Sam starts acting like a venture capitalist? In this episode of The Personal Wealth Coach, Jake McClure dives into a surprising trend: governments taking direct stakes in private companies. From Intel’s $8.9 billion boost under the CHIPS Act to golden shares in U.S. Steel, we explore what this means for innovation, profitability, and the long-term health of the economy. Is this smart strategy or creeping nationalization? Along the way, Jake unpacks historical parallels like Amtrak and Fannie Mae, contrasts U.S. moves with sovereign wealth funds, and asks the big question: can a government ever be a good shareholder? If you care about markets, policy, and the future of capitalism, this episode is your wake-up call, with a side of Thanksgiving gratitude. This episode was recorded on November 28th, 2025. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance. If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com. ** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.