Laughable argument. The iPhone never would have been invented and we'd still be using Lotus software. Fedgov ownership stakes in private companies creates a whole new avenue for the worst sort of lobbying from entrenched interests that would kill competitive innovation.
Does this seem a little naive?
The worst kind of lobbying is already being done. That is why we are in the mess we are in.
A company offering stock for money it has already been awarded in a grant is a step towards accountability not a slippery slope. The situation of having an astute businessman in charge is unique. Trump might start a new expectation that the GVT may make grants if it deems them in the National interest but if it does the business should spin back some of the profit. Quite a change from the trillions given out in support of flawed ideologies to businesses that failed or weren’t even going concerns when grants were given.