McCaul and Cornyn Clash with Trump Over CHIPS Act Benefits for Texas and the U.S.

As Donald Trump ramps up criticism of the CHIPS Act, two prominent Texas Republicans—Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn—are standing firm in support of the legislation. They argue that the act is not only crucial for reviving domestic semiconductor manufacturing, but also vital to national security and economic competitiveness. McCaul, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized that dependence on foreign chipmakers poses a significant risk to U.S. interests. Cornyn echoed these concerns, highlighting how the law is already helping create high-paying tech jobs in Texas and beyond. While Trump has labeled the bill “wasteful government spending,” both lawmakers maintain that investing in the tech sector is essential to counter rising threats from China and ensure long-term supply chain stability. The split illustrates a growing divide within the GOP on industrial policy—between isolationist rhetoric and pragmatic economic defense. In Texas, however, the CHIPS Act remains a bipartisan priority.