The Trump administration is in talks with Intel about a potential equity stake, exploring a government investment to help the struggling chipmaker expand its domestic manufacturing operations, according to people familiar with the matter.

The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a U.S. government investment would help Intel secure its proposed Ohio factory, which Intel had promised would be the world's largest chip manufacturing site, but has been repeatedly delayed. The size of the potential U.S. investment is unknown.

The people said the plan stemmed from a meeting this week between President Donald Trump and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. One of the people said the plan would involve the U.S. government funding a stake in the company, but the details are being worked out. Another person cautioned that the proposal remains highly uncertain.

Intel declined to comment on the discussions. A company representative said in a statement that the company is "firmly committed to supporting President Trump's efforts to strengthen American technology and manufacturing leadership."

Intel added in the statement: "We look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to advance these shared priorities, but we do not comment on rumor or speculation."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Any agreement would strengthen Intel's financial position at a time of cost cuts and layoffs. It would also mean that Lip-Bu Tan, whose immediate resignation Trump has called for, would remain at the helm of Intel.