Trump Fortune Exclusive: 'Should Have Asked for More' Than 10% Intel Stake; Discusses AI, China Summit Disputes, Interest Rates

President Trump gave an exclusive interview to Fortune magazine published May 18, 2026 — one of his most detailed economic interviews of the second term — covering tariffs, AI policy, the Beijing summit outcomes, Intel, and interest rates. On Intel, Trump said he regrets requesting only a 10% stake: the government's position (acquired for approximately $10 billion) has grown to over $50 billion in value, and he stated 'it's not going to happen again' regarding successors' ability to replicate that dealmaking. On AI, Trump projected US dominance and discussed the administration's technology policy direction. On China, Trump defended the summit outcomes amid Chinese officials' refusal to confirm his 'fantastic deals' characterization — the White House on May 18 specifically touted agreements on soybeans and rare earths. On interest rates, Trump told Fortune the Iran war situation has complicated his push for rate cuts under new Fed Chair Warsh. The interview came the same day the US and China continued to publicly disagree on what was actually agreed during the May 14-15 Beijing summit, with neither Boeing nor Chinese state media confirming the claimed 200-jet purchase.