Thu, 07 Aug 2025

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 Trump calls for Intel boss to resign immediately, alleging China ties

The unusual demand adds to challenges facing the firm, which has been seen as falling behind in the chip race.
US President Donald Trump has demanded that Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign immediately, accusing him of being "highly conflicted" due to his investments in companies with ties to China's military. Intel has invested billions of dollars from the US government to rebuild America's semiconductor manufacturing industry. The company has made significant investments in the US and claims to be committed to advancing national and economic security interests. However, Trump believes Tan's ties to China are a problem. In a letter to Intel's board, Republican Senator Tom Cotton raised concerns about Tan's associations with companies that have done business with the Chinese military. Intel defended Tan, saying he and the company were "deeply committed" to US national security and integrity in the defense ecosystem. Industry expert Patrick Moorhead believes Trump is using the controversy over Tan's ties to China to put pressure on Intel over other issues, such as investments in the US and potential partnerships with Taiwanese firms. Trump's demand for Tan's resignation is unusual, even by his standards. The White House said Trump remains committed to safeguarding national security and ensuring that American companies are led by trustworthy leaders. Tan's ties to China had been spotlighted in a 2024 congressional report and a Reuters investigation found he had invested at least $200 in hundreds of Chinese companies, some linked to the Chinese military.
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