In a fiery statement that’s causing ripples across the tech world, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, accusing him of being “highly conflicted” due to alleged connections with Chinese firms.
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Taking to his platform, Truth Social, Trump didn’t mince words:
“The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem.”
What Sparked Trump’s Call?
Trump’s demand came shortly after Senator Tim Cotton raised serious concerns about Tan’s past associations. In a letter addressed to Intel Chairman Frank Yeary, Cotton highlighted potential national security risks stemming from Tan’s former leadership at Cadence Design Systems, a company that has reportedly been involved in a recent criminal case.
Senator Cotton didn’t stop there—he asked if Intel’s board was aware of subpoenas received by Cadence during Tan’s tenure as CEO, which lasted from 2008 to 2021. Tan later served as executive chairman until May 2023.
National Security Under the Spotlight
Cotton’s letter emphasized the importance of Intel’s role as a recipient of federal funding under the U.S. Secure Enclave program, a Biden administration initiative aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor production.
“Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations,” Cotton wrote. “Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations.”
The China Connection
Adding fuel to the fire, an April Reuters report revealed that Tan—either personally or through the venture funds he founded or manages—had invested over $200 million in hundreds of Chinese tech firms between March 2012 and December 2024. Some of these companies were said to have ties to the Chinese military.
While sources claimed Tan has since divested from his Chinese investments, no detailed evidence has been made public.
What’s Next for Intel?
With growing political pressure and national security questions hanging in the air, all eyes are now on Intel and its leadership. Will Lip-Bu Tan step down, or will the company push back against these claims?
One thing’s clear—the heat is on, and the future of Intel’s top leadership may be hanging in the balance.
