# Semiconductors on The No Agenda Show

Semiconductors comes up in 48 chapters across 45 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from March 2008 to September 2026.

- **Chapters:** 48
- **Episodes:** 45
- **Discussed:** March 2008 – September 2026
- **Related topics:** [China](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [Taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [Joe Biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [Tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [Asml](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asml.md), [Chips Act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chips-act.md), [Supply Chain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supply-chain.md), [Howard Lutnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-lutnick.md), [Intel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intel.md), [Manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 48

### Mark Carney on Global Resilience and Sovereignty

- **Episode:** [1904: Junkie Communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-17
- **Time:** 1:02:12–1:06:29
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1904-junkie-communism/chapter/mark-carney-on-global-resilience-and-sovereignty.md

In a speech in Strasbourg, Mark Carney discusses the "ferocious storm" of climate change and the weaponization of trade. He advocates for collective resilience among nations to secure access to AI, semiconductors, and vaccines, framing the move as a necessary step for a stable world order.

Keywords: [mark carney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-carney.md), [davos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/davos.md), [world economic forum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-economic-forum.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md)

### Ukraine War Attrition and Taiwan Semiconductor Security

- **Episode:** [1899: Asymmetric Intimacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1899-asymmetric-intimacy.md)
- **Published:** 2026-08-30
- **Time:** 34:46–38:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1899-asymmetric-intimacy/chapter/ukraine-war-attrition-and-taiwan-semiconductor-security.md

Adam Curry and Jason Calacanis critique the European mindset regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, noting high casualty rates and the depletion of military resources. They pivot to the strategic importance of Taiwan, discussing reports that semiconductor fabs (TSMC) might be destroyed or evacuated rather than allowed to fall under Chinese control. Calacanis mentions Elon Musk's efforts to build domestic "TerraFabs" to mitigate supply chain risks.

Keywords: [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), semiconductor fabs, [kiev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kiev.md)

### TSMC and the Rare Earth Defense Fund

- **Episode:** [1868: Lubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1868-lubio.md)
- **Published:** 2026-05-14
- **Time:** 52:55–55:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1868-lubio/chapter/tsmc-and-the-rare-earth-defense-fund.md

The discussion shifts to the strategic importance of Taiwan due to TSMC's semiconductor production. The hosts question why the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China could simply be incentivized to keep the chips flowing. They also mention a new "Rare Earth Fund" managed by the U.S. War Department, which allows companies to borrow money to develop domestic mineral resources.

Keywords: [tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [rare earth minerals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rare-earth-minerals.md), war department, [chips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chips.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md)

### US Navy Tanker Escorts, Helium Supply Chain Risks

- **Episode:** [1850: Error Bars](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-12
- **Time:** 53:55–58:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars/chapter/us-navy-tanker-escorts-helium-supply-chain-risks.md

The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iranian aggression. Beyond oil, officials are concerned about the supply of helium, which is critical for semiconductor manufacturing and has no known substitute for its cooling properties.

Keywords: [us navy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-navy.md), [helium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/helium.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [strait of hormuz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/strait-of-hormuz.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md)

### Semiconductor Manufacturing, TSMC, ASML Dutch Technology

- **Episode:** [1837: Moral Injury](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1837-moral-injury.md)
- **Published:** 2026-01-25
- **Time:** 12:52–15:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1837-moral-injury/chapter/semiconductor-manufacturing-tsmc-asml-dutch-technology.md

The global semiconductor industry remains dependent on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Dutch firm ASML for advanced two-nanometer processor technology. While plants are being constructed in Taylor, Texas, challenges remain regarding labor costs and technical expertise in the United States. Speculation suggests an AI market collapse could eventually stabilize high RAM and chip prices.

Keywords: [tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [asml](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asml.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [chips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chips.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md)

### American Soft Power and Taiwan Shipping Lanes

- **Episode:** [1823: Secretary of Egg](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1823-secretary-of-egg.md)
- **Published:** 2025-12-07
- **Time:** 49:04–58:45
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1823-secretary-of-egg/chapter/american-soft-power-and-taiwan-shipping-lanes.md

The National Security Strategy outlines a desire for unrivaled soft power and a robust industrial base to meet wartime production demands. Regarding Asia, the document clarifies that the US interest in Taiwan is primarily about maintaining military overmatch and protecting shipping lanes in the South China Sea, through which one-third of global shipping passes. The strategy emphasizes that the US does not support unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

Keywords: [soft power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soft-power.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [south china sea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-china-sea.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), military overmatch, [trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade.md)

### NatCast Investigation, Semiconductor Research Funding

- **Episode:** [1794: Heroin Hotties](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1794-heroin-hotties.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-28
- **Time:** 2:37:56–2:46:36
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1794-heroin-hotties/chapter/natcast-investigation-semiconductor-research-funding.md

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is attempting to claw back billions of dollars from NatCast, a non-profit established by the Biden administration to distribute semiconductor research funding. Lutnick alleges the entity lacks federal oversight and was "crammed" with Biden allies just days before the administration changed, potentially serving as a front for improper fiscal allocation.

Keywords: natcast, [howard lutnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-lutnick.md), [chips act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chips-act.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [biden administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biden-administration.md), federal oversight

### Fluoride Phase-Out, Dental Health, Hydrofluoric Acid

- **Episode:** [1770: Control Grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1770-control-grid.md)
- **Published:** 2025-06-05
- **Time:** 1:26:42–1:31:41
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1770-control-grid/chapter/fluoride-phase-out-dental-health-hydrofluoric-acid.md

The FDA announced a plan to phase out fluoride supplements in food and drink, though topical products like toothpaste will remain available. While the American Dental Association warns that removing fluoride from tap water could increase cavities in children, some medical experts highlight the risks of bone damage from high-level exposure. The discussion noted that fluoride is often a byproduct of aluminum manufacturing and that hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive chemical primarily used in the semiconductor industry.

Keywords: [fluoride](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fluoride.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), american dental association, hydrofluoric acid, semiconductor industry, bone health

### Trade Tariffs, Howard Lutnick, Semiconductor Industry

- **Episode:** [1756: AG Barbie](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1756-ag-barbie.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-17
- **Time:** 1:20:29–1:22:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1756-ag-barbie/chapter/trade-tariffs-howard-lutnick-semiconductor-industry.md

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that new tariffs on semiconductors and electronic supply chains could be implemented within months. President Trump clarified that previous exemptions for certain electronic products were temporary and that sector-specific tariffs are forthcoming. The administration emphasizes the need for critical technology and medicines to be manufactured within the United States.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [howard lutnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-lutnick.md), [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [commerce department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commerce-department.md)

### Semiconductor Tariff Exemptions, Peter Navarro Interview Analysis

- **Episode:** [1755: Rat Poop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1755-rat-poop.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-13
- **Time:** 31:56–39:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1755-rat-poop/chapter/semiconductor-tariff-exemptions-peter-navarro-interview-analysis.md

Conflicting reports emerge regarding tariff exemptions for consumer electronics like iPhones and laptops. While Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggests these products fall under a strategic semiconductor focus for re-shoring, Peter Navarro's public defense of the policy is described as confusing and slurry. The administration's official stance remains unclear as to whether specific finished goods are currently excluded or merely under investigation.

Keywords: [peter navarro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peter-navarro.md), [howard lutnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-lutnick.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md), [commerce department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commerce-department.md)

### Howard Lutnick on Trade Deficits and National Security

- **Episode:** [1753: Local Jamoke](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1753-local-jamoke.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-06
- **Time:** 19:17–29:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1753-local-jamoke/chapter/howard-lutnick-on-trade-deficits-and-national-security.md

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared on Face the Nation to defend the administration's tariff policy as a national security necessity. Lutnick argued that the U.S. has become dangerously dependent on foreign manufacturing for medicine, steel, and semiconductors, leading to an $18 trillion net ownership of America by foreign entities. The hosts criticize interviewer Margaret Brennan for failing to listen to the guest's economic arguments.

Keywords: [howard lutnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-lutnick.md), [commerce secretary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commerce-secretary.md), [trade deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-deficit.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [margaret brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/margaret-brennan.md)

### Ronald Reagan on Tariffs, TSMC American Expansion

- **Episode:** [1744: EULA for Ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1744-eula-for-ukraine.md)
- **Published:** 2025-03-06
- **Time:** 1:31:52–1:36:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1744-eula-for-ukraine/chapter/ronald-reagan-on-tariffs-tsmc-american-expansion.md

A 1980s clip of Ronald Reagan warns against the long-term dangers of protectionist tariffs, arguing they lead to inefficiency and trade wars. The discussion shifts to TSMC's $120 billion investment in U.S. factories, which is viewed as a hedge against a potential Chinese takeover of Taiwan. The hosts note challenges regarding the work culture differences between Taiwanese and American workers.

Keywords: [ronald reagan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ronald-reagan.md), [tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md)

### Critical Minerals and Congo Slave Labor

- **Episode:** [1724: Boomer Mode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1724-boomer-mode.md)
- **Published:** 2024-12-26
- **Time:** 2:02:55–2:05:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1724-boomer-mode/chapter/critical-minerals-and-congo-slave-labor.md

A congressional committee report highlights U.S. dependence on China for critical minerals like cobalt and manganese. The hosts discuss allegations of slave labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how these minerals end up in Apple products. They suggest the focus on Congo may be a way to target Apple.

Keywords: [critical minerals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/critical-minerals.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [congo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congo.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [cobalt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cobalt.md)

### China Retaliates with High-Tech Material Export Ban

- **Episode:** [1718: On The Fritz](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1718-on-the-fritz.md)
- **Published:** 2024-12-05
- **Time:** 48:25–51:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1718-on-the-fritz/chapter/china-retaliates-with-high-tech-material-export-ban.md

China has announced a ban on the export of critical high-tech materials, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, to the United States. These minerals are essential for semiconductor manufacturing and high-frequency electronics. The move is seen as a direct retaliation for new Biden administration sanctions on Chinese chip-making capabilities and a preemptive strike ahead of Trump's proposed tariffs.

Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), gallium, germanium, [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [trade war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-war.md)

### Gina Raimondo, 60 Minutes Interview on Semiconductor War

- **Episode:** [1692: Salted Ducks](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1692-salted-ducks.md)
- **Published:** 2024-09-05
- **Time:** 1:19:45–1:31:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1692-salted-ducks/chapter/gina-raimondo-60-minutes-interview-on-semiconductor-war.md

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo appeared on 60 Minutes to discuss the strategic importance of semiconductors in national security. Raimondo claimed U.S. export controls forced Russia to scavenge chips from breast pumps and refrigerators for military use. The discussion covers the CHIPS Act, the vulnerability of relying on Taiwan for 90% of advanced chips, and the ongoing technological competition with Chinese firm Huawei.

Keywords: [gina raimondo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gina-raimondo.md), [department of commerce](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-commerce.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md)

### TSMC Kill Switch, ASML Lithography, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te

- **Episode:** [1662: Rousting Granny](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1662-rousting-granny.md)
- **Published:** 2024-05-23
- **Time:** 3:36
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1662-rousting-granny/chapter/tsmc-kill-switch-asml-lithography-taiwan-president-lai-ching-te.md

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Dutch firm ASML reportedly possess a remote "kill switch" to disable chip-making equipment if China invades Taiwan. ASML, based in the Netherlands, provides the essential extreme ultraviolet lithography machines used for high-end chip production. Meanwhile, Lai Ching-te has been inaugurated as Taiwan's new president, facing military pressure from Beijing and a fractured domestic parliament.

Keywords: [tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [asml](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asml.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), lai ching-te, [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), lithography, [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [kill switch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kill-switch.md)

### Silicon Valley Culture and Venture Capital

- **Episode:** [1621: Haley's Comment](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1621-haley-s-comment.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-31
- **Time:** 1:22:45–1:26:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1621-haley-s-comment/chapter/silicon-valley-culture-and-venture-capital.md

The history of Silicon Valley is marked by "me-too" venture capital investing and a culture of high-stakes startups like Intel, which emerged from Fairchild Semiconductor. Current industry leaders are criticized for promoting "wild fantasies" while securing massive investments for technologies like augmented reality and blockchain.

Keywords: [intel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intel.md), [fairchild semiconductor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fairchild-semiconductor.md), [sam bankman-fried](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-bankman-fried.md), [mark andreessen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-andreessen.md), [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md)

### China Graphite Export Restrictions, EV Battery Supply Chain

- **Episode:** [1601: Unkool & The Gang](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1601-unkool-the-gang.md)
- **Published:** 2023-10-22
- **Time:** 2:08:12–2:13:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1601-unkool-the-gang/chapter/china-graphite-export-restrictions-ev-battery-supply-chain.md

China announced new permit requirements for graphite exports, a move seen as retaliation for U.S. restrictions on AI chips. As China produces two-thirds of the world's graphite, these controls could significantly impact the global electric vehicle battery and semiconductor industries.

Keywords: graphite, [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), ev batteries, [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [export controls](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/export-controls.md)

### Joe Biden, Debt Ceiling Speech, Bipartisanship Claims

- **Episode:** [1561: Star Butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1561-star-butler.md)
- **Published:** 2023-06-04
- **Time:** 1:28:12–1:31:27
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1561-star-butler/chapter/joe-biden-debt-ceiling-speech-bipartisanship-claims.md

President Joe Biden delivered his first Oval Office address to celebrate the passage of the bipartisan budget agreement and the aversion of a default crisis. Biden touted his administration's record of signing over 350 bipartisan laws, focusing on infrastructure improvements and the domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.

Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [debt ceiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debt-ceiling.md), [oval office](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oval-office.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [semiconductor chips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductor-chips.md)

### Taiwan Geopolitics, TSMC Chips and US Military Support

- **Episode:** [1545: Stapler Abuse](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1545-stapler-abuse.md)
- **Published:** 2023-04-11
- **Time:** 39:20–45:23
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1545-stapler-abuse/chapter/taiwan-geopolitics-tsmc-chips-and-us-military-support.md

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California signaled strong US support, prompting a furious military response from China. The discussion emphasizes Taiwan's critical role in the global semiconductor industry through TSMC and its expertise in injection molding. Concerns are raised that the US military-industrial complex is pivoting its focus from Ukraine to Taiwan to justify continued spending.

Keywords: [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [tsmc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsmc.md), [semiconductors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/semiconductors.md), [kevin mccarthy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kevin-mccarthy.md)

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