Trump demands Intel CEO resign amid US-China tech war concerns
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US President Donald Trump demands that the CEO of Intel resign over alleged ties to Chinese tech firms, following accusations from Republican Senator Tom Cotton of national security risks.
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Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan delivers a speech during the Computex 2025 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
US President Donald Trump has called for the immediate resignation of Intel’s chief executive officer, citing national security concerns tied to his alleged connections with firms in China.
“The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign immediately. There is no other solution to this problem,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.
The demand came a day after Republican Senator Tom Cotton said he had sent a letter to Intel questioning the background of Lip-Bu Tan, the company's CEO, and his links to Chinese technology and manufacturing firms.
In his letter, Senator Cotton alleged that Tan controls dozens of Chinese companies and holds shares in hundreds of Chinese firms involved in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor development.
“At least eight of these companies reportedly have ties to the Chinese People's Liberation Army,” Cotton stated.
He also referred to Tan’s tenure as head of Cadence Design Systems, which Cotton claimed had “pleaded guilty to illegally selling its products to a Chinese military university.” The senator further alleged that, under Tan’s leadership, the company transferred technology to an associated Chinese semiconductor company without obtaining the necessary licenses.
Intel CEO responds to allegations
Tan responded to the allegations in a statement issued Thursday, saying Intel is “engaged with the Trump administration to address the concerns raised and ensure officials have the facts.”
“I want to be absolutely clear: Over 40+ years in the industry, I've built relationships around the world and across our diverse ecosystem,” Tan said. “And I have always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards.”
Tan emphasized that the United States has been his home for more than four decades and that he is “profoundly grateful for the opportunities it has given me.” He also voiced support for US national and economic security, saying he shares Trump’s commitment and is proud to lead a company “so central to these goals.”
Tan, the Malaysia-born veteran of the technology sector, assumed leadership of Intel in March. His appointment came at a challenging time for the Silicon Valley-based firm, as it faces increased pressure from Asian competitors and shifting global tech dynamics.
Under Tan’s leadership, Intel announced job cuts as new White House-imposed tariffs and export restrictions complicated the international semiconductor market. The company has also struggled to maintain its footing against leading Asian chipmakers such as TSMC and Samsung, which dominate the made-to-order semiconductor space.
Intel has long specialized in chips for traditional computing processes. However, the industry is rapidly shifting, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. Nvidia has emerged as the global leader in AI chip development, leaving Intel scrambling to catch up.
Tan has previously acknowledged these challenges, stating that it “won’t be easy” for the company to regain momentum in a sector evolving toward AI-driven innovation.
