Trump Urges Intel CEO’s Resignation Over China Investments

 

The U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, calling him “highly conflicted” over alleged financial ties to Chinese firms, some reportedly linked to the Chinese military. The accusations stem from an exclusive Reuters report in April, which revealed Tan had invested at least $200 million in hundreds of Chinese advanced manufacturing and semiconductor companies.

Trump’s statement, posted Thursday on Truth Social, came a day after Republican Senator Tom Cotton urged Intel’s board to address concerns about Tan’s investments and a past criminal case involving his former company, Cadence Design. Cotton’s letter also questioned whether Tan had divested from these firms to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.

The controversy has added pressure to Intel, already struggling to regain its competitive edge in the global chip race. The company is a central pillar in U.S. efforts to boost domestic semiconductor production and recently secured $8 billion in subsidies under the 2022 CHIPS Act to build new factories in Ohio and other states. Intel shares fell 3% following Trump’s remarks.

Responding to the allegations, Tan asserted that he has “always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards” and shares the president’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security. Intel also released a statement emphasizing its “deep commitment” to America’s strategic interests and its alignment with the administration’s “America First” agenda.

The clash underscores intensifying U.S.–China tensions over semiconductors, AI, and emerging technologies seen as vital to both economic power and military capability. Tan, who took over as Intel CEO in March, has not publicly confirmed whether he has divested from the Chinese companies in question.