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

Former President raises national security concerns, intensifies pressure on Intel amid board scrutiny and political firestorm

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing allegations of the executive’s deep financial ties to China and raising fresh concerns over national security and corporate accountability.

“The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, marking a significant escalation in the controversy surrounding one of America’s most critical technology companies.

The demand comes in the wake of a letter sent earlier this week by Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton to Intel’s board chair Frank Yeary. Cotton questioned the integrity of the company’s leadership, pointing to Lip-Bu Tan’s reported investments in hundreds of Chinese companies — some of which are believed to have links to China’s military apparatus. The letter raised alarm over the potential implications for U.S. national security, particularly as Intel continues to receive government grants under federal semiconductor and innovation initiatives.

“The new CEO of @intel reportedly has deep ties to the Chinese Communists,” Cotton stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stressing that U.S. companies receiving taxpayer money must adhere to strict security standards. “The board of @Intel owes Congress an explanation,” he added.

Tan, who took the helm at Intel in March, has been under increased scrutiny as he attempts to revitalize the legacy chipmaker in the face of fierce global competition. Intel, once dominant in the semiconductor industry, has struggled to maintain its edge amid the explosive growth of rivals like Nvidia — now the world’s most valuable chip company — whose products are at the heart of the global AI boom.

In response to the growing criticism, Intel issued a public statement reaffirming its alignment with national interests:
“Intel, the Board of Directors, and Lip-Bu Tan are deeply committed to advancing U.S. national and economic security interests and are making significant investments aligned with the President’s America First agenda.”

Despite the reassurance, Wall Street responded with skepticism. Shares of Intel (INTC) fell 3% on Thursday, reflecting investor concerns over potential leadership turmoil and reputational damage.

Tan’s past includes leadership at Cadence Design Systems and the founding of Walden Catalyst Ventures, both of which have fostered deep networks across the global tech and venture capital ecosystem — including extensive ties in Asia.

Trump’s latest comments also follow his renewed praise of Apple’s $100 billion U.S. investment announcement alongside CEO Tim Cook. Seizing the opportunity to draw a contrast, Trump criticized Intel, saying, “Intel was just taken over the coals. They were taken to the cleaners, frankly.”

The situation continues to evolve as Intel’s board, Congress, and the public await further clarification on Tan’s background and the company’s future direction. With geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China intensifying, the stakes for America’s semiconductor leadership — and the individuals at its helm — have never been higher.