Trump Calls for Intel CEO’s Resignation Amid Questions About China Ties

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on August 7, 2025, to demand that Intel CEO Lip‑Bu Tan resign immediately. Trump labeled Tan “highly conflicted,” citing concerns about the executive’s previous investments in Chinese technology firms that may pose national security risks.

Credit: Donald Trump / TruthSocial

A day earlier, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) had sent a letter to Intel’s board chair urging scrutiny of Tan’s connections to overseas entities. Cotton cited Tan’s control or stake in companies linked to China’s military and questioned whether his past leadership at Cadence Design Systems, now implicated in unlawful chip exports, undermined Intel’s eligibility for federal support.

White House channels remain silent on whether Trump’s post was directly prompted by Sen. Cotton’s concerns, though a spokesman reaffirmed a presidential commitment to national security and corporate leadership that Americans can trust.

Earlier this year in April, Reuters revealed that Tan—either personally or via his venture fund—had invested more than $200 million in Chinese advanced-manufacturing and semiconductor companies between 2012 and 2024, including some potentially linked to the People’s Liberation Army. While there have been reports that Tan divested some holdings, the extent remains unclear.

During his earlier tenure as CEO of Cadence, Tan oversaw a period that culminated in a settlement with the U.S. government, in which the company pleaded guilty to violating export controls by sending chip design tools to China’s National University of Defense Technology. This development raised further concerns about his suitability to lead a federally subsidized tech firm.

Market response was swift. Intel’s shares fell between 2 and 4 percent in early trading on Thursday, reflecting investor unease over leadership instability. Analysts commented that presidential involvement in corporate succession risks setting an uncertain precedent, yet acknowledged that Trump’s voice continues to carry significant weight in business discussions.

Tan assumed the CEO role in March amid efforts to revitalize Intel, which has been facing intense competition, notably from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in the AI chip market. His turnaround plan includes significant job cuts and exploration of infrastructure changes, including potentially divesting assets. The company also remains a major beneficiary of the CHIPS and Science Act, receiving billions in federal funding to support domestic chip production.

This event merges corporate governance with geopolitics, placing Intel’s leadership firmly in the crosshairs of broader U.S.–China tensions. The coming weeks may reveal how much influence political pressure can wield over decisions at the helm of one of America’s most historic tech companies.