Trump answers reporters' questions on the plane [AFP=Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 5th (local time) that the government is considering acquiring stakes in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development companies.

Speaking to reporters on his plane to Wisconsin that day, Trump said he plans to meet with AI companies "in the very near future" to discuss potential collaborations, including equity participation, and that the target companies would be "all of them."

Trump explained, "They have a lot of money, they are very large, so we can give some of it to the American people. The American people become partners, essentially."

He then cited Intel, a U.S. semiconductor manufacturer in which the U.S. government holds a significant stake. This refers to the U.S. government's acquisition of over 10% of Intel's shares last year in return for subsidies provided under the CHIPS Act.

"I own Intel. That was just nine months ago and we made $50 million on that deal," Trump stated, adding, "We made $50 million for the country."

In response to a question about market expectations of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve (Fed) following unexpectedly strong U.S. employment figures, Trump said, "We will let Kevin (Fed Chair Kevin Wash) make that decision."

However, he reiterated the need for lower interest rates, stating, "I want rates to go lower. Every point costs us $600 million."

Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the phenomenon of the market anticipating interest rate hikes and stock prices falling in response, despite strong employment figures being a positive economic signal.

Regarding the proposed $14 billion (approximately 21 trillion won) arms sale to Taiwan, he stated, "We are reviewing it." On the 2nd, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also mentioned that the Taiwan arms sale is still "under review" and that "when and how it will be executed is a decision for the President."

When asked about the exorbitant ticket prices for the NBA Finals series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, Trump commented, "You can watch it on TV. It's somewhat free to watch on TV. That's life."

Trump revealed plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York. A New York native, he is rooting for the New York Knicks, who are aiming for their first championship in 53 years since 1973. The Knicks won Game 1 held on the 3rd against the Spurs.