Trump Calls for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to Resign Over China Ties
- tech360.tv
- Aug 8, 2025
- 2 min read
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing the executive’s financial ties to Chinese firms and raising concerns about national security.
Trump labelled Tan “highly conflicted” in a post on his Truth Social platform, following a Reuters report that Tan had invested at least USD 200 million in Chinese chip and manufacturing companies, some linked to the Chinese military.
The call for resignation came a day after Republican Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel’s board chair questioning Tan’s connections to Chinese firms and a criminal case involving his former company, Cadence Design.
Intel shares closed down 3% on Thursday following Trump’s remarks.
Tan, who became CEO in March, has not responded publicly. Intel issued a statement saying the company, its board, and Tan are committed to advancing U.S. national and economic security and are aligned with the “America First” agenda.
Reuters reported in April that Tan, through his venture capital firm Walden, invested in Chinese companies, including suppliers to the People’s Liberation Army, between March 2012 and December 2024.
Chinese corporate records show Walden is a joint owner of 20 investment funds and companies alongside Chinese government funds or state-owned enterprises, mostly from tech hubs such as Hangzhou, Hefei, and Wuxi.
A source previously told Reuters that Tan had divested from these Chinese entities, but the extent of the divestitures remains unclear.
Tan also served as CEO of Cadence Design from 2008 to 2021. The company recently agreed to plead guilty and pay over USD 140 million to resolve U.S. charges related to sales of software to a Chinese military university.
Intel has faced mounting challenges in recent years, losing ground in chip manufacturing to Taiwan’s TSMC and falling behind in the artificial intelligence chip market dominated by Nvidia.
The company’s market value has dropped below USD 100 billion, while Nvidia has surged past USD 4 trillion. Intel’s profit margins are now about half their historical highs.
Tan replaced former CEO Pat Gelsinger, who was dismissed late last year after failing to meet manufacturing and AI goals. Tan has since cut Intel’s workforce and paused global factory plans.
Intel’s new production process, intended to restore its manufacturing edge, is reportedly facing quality issues. The company has also delayed completion of its Ohio factory to 2030 or 2031.
Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno said on X that Intel has failed its commitments to the state and called for a fraud investigation.
Trump demands Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign over China investments
Tan reportedly invested USD 200 million in Chinese firms, some tied to military
Intel shares fell 3% following Trump’s remarks
Source: REUTERS
