President Joe Biden pitched an American “comeback story” during a visit to upstate New York on Thursday, highlighting significant investments in the economy with the announcement of Micron Technology’s plans to build advanced computer chip factories, partially funded by the government.
Facing a potential rematch with Republican Donald Trump, Biden aimed to rally support for his vision of the future amid concerns over high inflation. The project, expected to begin operations with the first plant in 2028, represents a pivotal move to bolster domestic chip manufacturing.
“This is such a big deal,” Biden emphasized. “We’re bringing advanced chip manufacturing back to America.”
The initiative is part of broader efforts to revitalize the manufacturing sector, contrasting Biden’s forward-looking agenda with Trump’s nostalgic appeal to past manufacturing prowess.
Trump, however, has warned that Biden’s policies could impact jobs tied to traditional auto manufacturing and lead to increased reliance on China. He recently criticized the rising value of the dollar, arguing it would undermine U.S. competitiveness.
In touting the Micron project, Biden’s administration committed $6.1 billion in government support, which also covers a memory chip factory in Idaho slated for operation in 2026. The funding underscores a strategic push to advance critical technologies, including artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
“American manufacturing is back,” Biden declared. “New factories are going up across the country.”
Joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Biden toured facility mockups, underscoring the potential for job creation and technological innovation.
For decades, politicians have promised a manufacturing resurgence with mixed results, but Schumer expressed confidence that this time would be different, asserting that the U.S. is gaining ground against global competitors.
Biden also took a swipe at House Republican leaders who opposed the chips legislation initially but now hail its benefits.
“I guess they’re not going to be here to celebrate,” Biden quipped, highlighting the political divide over economic policy.
