Trump Defends Corporate Stakes, AI Push in Oval Office Interview
Event summary
- Fortune published an exclusive Oval Office interview with President Donald Trump on May 18, 2026.
- Trump discussed his equity-stake strategy in companies like Intel and U.S. Steel to strengthen American industry.
- He compared the scale of new data centers to the Pentagon, emphasizing the importance of winning the AI race.
- Trump outlined plans to correct trade imbalances and bring foreign investment back to the U.S.
- He expressed uncertainty about who could carry on his dealmaking style after his term.
The big picture
Fortune's exclusive interview with President Trump provides a rare glimpse into his dealmaking approach to the U.S. economy, corporate America, and global trade. His focus on equity stakes in key industries and the AI race highlights a strategic shift in economic governance, with potential implications for corporate America and global business leaders. The interview underscores the importance of understanding Trump's economic policies in navigating a rapidly changing landscape shaped by AI, trade policy, and geopolitical dynamics.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- How Trump's equity-stake strategy in companies like Intel will affect corporate governance and national debt.
- Regulatory Headwinds
- Whether the push to correct trade imbalances will lead to increased tariffs and foreign investment.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which the U.S. can win the AI race given the scale of new data centers and infrastructure investments.
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