Executive Order: Trump Blocks Broadcom's Takeover of Qualcomm

image
Author: Jeff Powers
Published: 12 Mar, 2018
Updated: 21 Nov, 2022
2 min read

In an unusual move, President Trump, citing national security concerns, has issued an executive order blocking Broadcom Ltd. from acquiring San Diego based Qualcomm Inc.

The move by the president effectively kills the  $117 billion deal that had been subject to U.S. government scrutiny on national security grounds.

 The president acted on a recommendation by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which reviews acquisitions of American firms by foreign investors.
In the order President Trump stated, "There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that Broadcom Ltd. by acquiring Qualcomm might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States."The White House statement continued, "The Purchaser and Qualcomm shall immediately and permanently abandon the proposed takeover. Immediately upon completion of all steps necessary to terminate the proposed takeover of Qualcomm, the Purchaser and Qualcomm shall certify in writing to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the UnitedStates (CFIUS) that such termination has been effected in accordance with this order and that all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed takeover of Qualcomm have been completed."

BIPARTISAN PRAISE

The move to protect Qualcomm brought praise from both Democrat and Republican Congressman.Dem. Rep. Scott Peters representing the 52nd District issued the following statement:“I’m glad the president blocked Broadcom’s bid and I’m grateful to the administration for acting quickly before Qualcomm’s annual meeting. I’m particularly glad Broadcom’s proposed candidates are prohibited from running for election to Qualcomm’s board of directors. Infiltration of the Board posed a similar threat, and could have opened the U.S. to more security vulnerabilities though potential ties to the Chinese government or military. This sends a message to Broadcom and other foreign companies that this innovation is vital to national security. It also reinforces to Qualcomm that it is on the right path and it should continue innovating."Rep. Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr. representing the 50th District issued the following statement:“(President Trump) did the right thing and he did it in good timing, which is important in these deals,” Hunter told the Union-Tribune in a phone interview, citing the fact that Qualcomm has contracts with the government for military technology. Qualcomm is as integral to our U.S. military and the NSA (National Security Agency) as it is to our Apple phones just doing civilian calls. That’s how important this is to the country and San Diego. You’ve got 17,000 jobs and all the jobs that rely on all those high paid, high end engineering jobs at Qualcomm … The national security aspect of this cannot be overstated.”

Latest articles

Elon Musk America Party
How Is Elon Musk’s Third Party Planning Going?
The America Party was announced in the middle of a public breakup between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. The two parted ways at the end of May. Musk criticized Trump’s signature tax cut and his “Big Beautiful Bill,” which tied immigration crackdowns to massive new spending. ...
13 Aug, 2025
-
4 min read
Cannabis plants
Schedule 1 v. Schedule 3 : Does Trump Know Why the Illicit Market Doesn’t Want Cannabis Legalization?
The Wall Street Journal and CNN reported August 8 that President Donald Trump said privately at a fundraiser that he was open to reclassifying cannabis under federal law, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the legal industry, the illicit market, national drug policy, and electoral politics in the 2026 cycle. ...
12 Aug, 2025
-
6 min read
Denver
Denver Councilmembers Decide Not to Give Voters Say on Ranked Choice Voting
The Denver City Council voted 7-6 Monday to reject a measure that would add ranked choice voting to city elections. The decision means that voters will not have a chance to weigh in on the proposed reform....
12 Aug, 2025
-
4 min read