At the defense forum in Simi Valley last winter Gina Raimondo strongly pushed back against Donald Trumps ideas about chip-making policy. The commerce secretary (who leads US tech-manufacturing programs) called the ex-presidents plan super-bad for the country
The debate focused on high-tech manufacturing: Trump wants import taxes while current policy gives money to US chip-makers. Raimondo explained why switching to tariffs would hurt Americaʼs tech independence; the current grant-based approach helps build up local production
The commerce chief pointed out key problems with import fees:
- Makes chips more expensive for everyone
- Doesnt help build US factories
- Could damage military supply chains
- Might slow down tech growth
The forum which brings together defense-industry leaders Congress members and military chiefs‚ showed how chip-making became a national-security issue. Local production means America dont need to rely on foreign-made parts for its defense systems and economy