US President Donald Trump has called for the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing concerns over Tan’s past connections to China. Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming Tan is “highly conflicted” and must step down. The controversy stems from Tan’s previous role at Cadence Design Systems, which recently admitted to violating US export laws by selling sensitive chip design tools to a Chinese military university. Trump’s statement has intensified scrutiny around national security and tech industry ties to China.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Good Thursday. President Trump calls on Intel CEO to resign over China ties
Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has deep ties with China, having made 600 investments in Chinese companies controlled by the CCP and PLA. #ThursdayThoughts #thursdayvibes pic.twitter.com/HUKiKTxHBU
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) August 7, 2025
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took over in March 2025, is now under scrutiny for his past ties to China, particularly during his tenure at Cadence Design Systems. Republican Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel’s board raising questions about whether the company properly vetted Tan before his appointment. He cited Cadence’s legal troubles and Tan’s investments in Chinese semiconductor firms, some allegedly linked to China’s military and Communist Party.
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Cotton’s letter also raised concerns about Intel’s role in the Secure Enclave programme, a US government initiative to secure the country’s defense chip supply chain. Cotton emphasized the need for transparency, as Intel is receiving taxpayer funding under this program. He questioned whether Tan had been asked to divest his Chinese holdings before becoming CEO. Reports show Tan invested over $200 million in Chinese tech and chip companies from 2012 to 2024. Although he has since sold many of these stakes, records indicate some involvement continued into 2025.
BREAKING: President Trump CALLS FOR Intel’s CEO, Lip-bu Tan to resign because of his past ties to China.
THIS IS WHAT DICTATORS DO. pic.twitter.com/Y5F4akZrGT
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 7, 2025
In response, Intel issued a brief statement affirming its and Tan’s commitment to US national security. The company said it would cooperate with lawmakers and address any inquiries, but did not directly respond to Cotton’s concerns about investments or divestments.
The controversy has already impacted Intel’s market position. Following Trump’s public demand for Tan’s resignation, Intel shares fell over 3% in premarket trading. While it’s unclear if the uproar will force leadership changes, the political and public pressure is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.
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