Trump admin not negotiating with quantum firms with equity stakes: Commerce official

The U.S. government has made it clear that it is not currently engaged in negotiations to acquire equity stakes in quantum computing firms in exchange for federal funding. A spokesperson from the Commerce Department confirmed this information during a statement to CNBC, emphasizing that no discussions of this nature are underway at the moment. This announcement follows a report from the Wall Street Journal, which claimed that the Trump administration was in talks with notable companies such as IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum. In response to these claims, Rigetti Computing saw shares rise by 7%, while IonQ also experienced a 7% increase. D-Wave Quantum's stock surged by 13%, and Quantum Computing's shares rose by 5% during Thursday's trading. Historically, the Trump administration has pursued equity stakes in companies deemed critical for national security. In August, for instance, the government acquired a 10% interest in Intel, a leading semiconductor manufacturer in the U.S., and a 15% stake in MP Materials, a key player in the rare earth elements sector, especially following China's restrictions on these exports. Experts note that the government's increased willingness to invest in private firms represents a significant shift in policy not seen in recent decades. Proponents, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, argue that when federal funding is involved, the government should have a stake in the success of these companies. This situation is still evolving, and updates are expected to follow.