Trump Demands Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Resign Over Alleged China Ties

The US President Donald Trump has called for the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, labelling him “highly conflicted” over his alleged ties to Chinese firms. The demand, posted on Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform, follows a letter from Senator Tom Cotton to Intel’s board chairman, Frank Yeary, in which he raises concerns about Tan’s connections to China and a criminal case involving his former company.

“The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign immediately. There is no other solution to this problem,” Trump wrote.

President Trump’s statement caused a stir in the markets, resulting in Intel’s stock falling 5% in pre-market trading on Thursday.5

A recent letter from Senator Tom Cotton sparked this controversy. The senator is known as a vocal critic of China, who questioned Intel’s board about Tan’s past. Cotton’s letter, sent to Intel Chairperson Frank Yeary, specifically asked whether the board was aware of subpoenas received by Cadence Design, where Tan served as CEO from 2008 to 2021, and what measures were taken to address the issues before his appointment at Intel.

The Senator Cotton’s concerns are reportedly linked to a recent criminal case where Cadence Design Systems pleaded guilty to violating U.S. export controls by selling hardware and software to China’s National University of Defence Technology.

In April, a Reuters report revealed that Tan had invested at least $200 million in hundreds of Chinese advanced manufacturing and chip firms between March 2012 and December 2024, some of which have been alleged to have ties to the Chinese military. While a source cited by Reuters stated that Tan had divested from his positions in Chinese entities, no further details were provided.

Intel, which receives federal funding under the US’ Secure Enclave program, a Biden-era initiative, has been required to be a “responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations,” as noted by Cotton in his letter. The Senator argued that Tan’s associations raise “questions about Intel’s ability to fulfil these obligations.”

Intel has not yet released an official statement regarding Trump’s demand, but the company previously stated in a statement on Wednesday that “Intel and Mr. Tan are deeply committed to the national security of the United States and the integrity of our role in the U.S. defense ecosystem.”