Intel is facing a tough moment after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called for the resignation of the company’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. Trump posted on social media, demanding that Tan step down due to his ties to China. This comes less than six months after Tan was appointed CEO of Intel.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump said Tan was “highly conflicted,” likely referring to his past business connections with Chinese companies. This statement caused Intel’s stock price to drop sharply and sparked concern across the tech industry.
Trump’s comments come just after a report by Reuters that revealed a U.S. senator, Tom Cotton, had sent a letter to Intel’s board. In the letter, Cotton raised questions about Tan’s background and whether it could affect U.S. national security. The letter also mentioned a criminal case involving Cadence Design Systems, a company Tan was once in connection with.
Intel’s CEO has already responded
In response, Lip-Bu Tan has now spoken up. In a message shared on Intel’s official Newsroom, Tan addressed all Intel employees directly, aiming to clear up the confusion and misinformation surrounding his past.
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Tan explained that he has lived in the United States for over 40 years, and said he feels deeply connected to the country. He called his job at Intel a “privilege” and said that Intel’s success is critical to U.S. national security, manufacturing, and economic strength.
He also strongly defended his background, saying, “I have always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards.” Tan added that his global relationships have always been professional and based on trust.
“We are engaging with the Administration to address the matters that have been raised and ensure they have the facts. I fully share the President’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security, I appreciate his leadership to advance these priorities, and I’m proud to lead a company that is so central to these goals.”
Intel CEO, Lip-Bu Tan
Tan seems to make it clear that he is not planning to resign. He said, “We are making progress,” and mentioned how Intel is working hard to reach a major manufacturing milestone later this year. The company plans to begin high-volume semiconductor production using some of the most advanced technology in the U.S.
