U.S. politician’s suspiciously timed Intel trade soars over 300% in less than a year

United States Representative Tim Moore has seen his bet on Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) surge by more than 300% in less than a year, significantly outperforming the broader market in the process.

Particulars of the trade indicate that Moore, a Republican representing North Carolina, purchased between $15,001 and $50,000 worth of Intel common stock on August 8, 2025.

The transaction was reported on September 3, nearly four weeks later. At the time of the purchase, Intel shares were trading in the low-$20 range.

As of press time, Intel’s stock had climbed 326% to $81 from Moore’s purchase price. Over the same period, the benchmark S&P 500 rose just 12.25%.

Intel’s share price began a steady ascent in mid-2025 before accelerating sharply toward the end of the year and into early 2026. The rally pushed the stock into the low-to-mid $80 range by March, with further gains following the company’s strong first-quarter earnings release on April 23.

For the quarter, Intel reported revenue of $13.6 billion, up 7% year over year and well above analyst expectations. Non-GAAP earnings per share came in at $0.29, significantly ahead of forecasts that had hovered near breakeven.

Growth was driven in part by a 22% increase in the Data Center and AI segment, which generated $5.1 billion in revenue, while the Intel Foundry business rose 16%. The company also issued a stronger-than-expected outlook for the second quarter.

The earnings beat triggered a roughly 24% single-day jump in Intel’s stock on April 24, marking one of the largest one-day gains in the company’s recent history.

Possible conflict of interest 

Moore’s committee assignments are likely to draw further attention to the lawmaker’s congress trade. 

He serves on the House Financial Services Committee, including the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, and is vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. He also sits on the House Budget Committee.

These roles place him in a position to influence policy areas directly tied to Intel’s business, including AI regulation, capital markets, and federal semiconductor funding under legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act.

The timing of the August 2025 purchase preceded several positive catalysts for Intel, including rising demand for AI-focused server chips, progress on its advanced 18A manufacturing node, and continued government support for domestic semiconductor production.

Moore also made additional Intel purchases earlier in 2025 that drew attention due to their proximity to key company and policy developments.