TMTPOST -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has approached U.S. chip designers Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Broadcom about investing in a joint venture that would manage Intel’s semiconductor manufacturing operations, Reuters reported, citing four sources familiar with the discussions. Under the proposal, TSMC would oversee Intel’s foundry division—responsible for producing custom chips for clients—but would hold no more than a 50% stake, the sources said. Qualcomm was also approached, according to one of the sources and an additional source. The discussions, still in their early stages, come in response to a request from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for TSMC, the world’s leading contract chipmaker, to help turn around Intel, a struggling American tech giant. The sources, who requested anonymity as the talks remain private, indicated that details of TSMC’s proposed stake limit and outreach to partners are being reported for the first time. A final agreement—whose potential value remains uncertain—would require approval from the Trump administration, which has expressed concerns about keeping Intel and its foundry division under U.S. control, the sources added. Intel, TSMC, Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm declined to comment, while the White House and Broadcom did not respond to requests for a statement. The future of Intel, once a dominant force in the semiconductor industry, hangs in the balance. The company’s stock has plunged more than 50% over the past year, and it reported a net loss of $18.8 billion for 2024—its first annual loss since 1986—largely due to significant asset impairments. As of December 31, Intel’s foundry division had a book value of $108 billion in property and equipment, according to a company filing. Reviving Intel is a priority for Trump, who aims to strengthen U.S. advanced manufacturing, three sources noted. TSMC’s joint venture pitch was made before the Taiwanese company’s March 3 announcement with Trump, in which it unveiled a new $100 billion investment plan for the U.S., including the construction of five additional chip manufacturing facilities in the coming years.