The Trump administration is reportedly engaged in negotiations with several quantum computing companies, with the intent to acquire equity stakes in exchange for federal funding support. Among the companies involved in these discussions are IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and potentially others. The talks revolve around the possibility of the government becoming a shareholder in these firms, with the stipulation that each company must secure a minimum of $10 million in funding.

Companies such as Quantum Computing (assuming it's a placeholder or example name, replace with the actual company name if known) are also contemplating similar arrangements. This financing negotiation initiative is being spearheaded by Paul Dabbar, the Under Secretary of Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

However, officials from the Department of Commerce have clarified that no formal negotiations with these companies have commenced as of yet. It's worth noting that President Trump had previously hinted at the government acquiring a 10% stake in Intel, indicating a precedent for such government-corporate equity arrangements.

Moreover, there have been instances where the government has taken significant stakes in private enterprises, such as the Department of Defense becoming a major shareholder in a small mining company. Additionally, the government secured 'golden shares' in the transaction involving a Japanese company's acquisition of U.S. Steel, showcasing the administration's willingness to engage in strategic equity investments.