Trump Administration Blocks Chinese-Backed HieFo’s Acquisition of U.S. Chip Assets
The U.S. government has intervened to halt HieFo Corp., a Delaware-based entity with Chinese ties, from retaining semiconductor assets acquired from Emcore. The $3 million deal, largely completed in 2024, was flagged by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (Cfius) due to national security concerns. Emcore’s technology, with potential military and AI applications, prompted Cfius to mandate a full reversal of the transaction.
President Trump’s approach to Chinese technology investments remains inconsistent. While easing some trade restrictions and permitting Nvidia to sell AI chips to China—albeit with a 15% revenue share to the U.S. Treasury—his administration continues to block sensitive exports. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue such concessions jeopardize national security.
