'Highly Conflicted': Trump Says Intel CEO Must Step Down Over Alleged China Ties

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 18:48 IST

Trump described Tan as “highly conflicted” and said he must step down immediately, posting the message on his social media platform, Truth Social

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and US President Donald Trump. (File photo via AFP/AP)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded that Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign, citing alleged ties between Tan and Chinese firms.

Trump described Tan as “highly conflicted" and said he must step down immediately, posting the message on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!," Trump wrote.

Trump’s call comes a day after Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas raised concerns by sending a letter to Intel’s board chair, Frank Yeary, questioning Tan’s ties to China.

In his letter, Cotton had expressed worries about the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and their potential impact on US national security, Reuters reported.

Cotton had asked whether the chipmaker’s board was aware of subpoenas issued to Cadence Design, Tan’s former company, during his time as CEO, and requested details on any steps Intel took to address these concerns before hiring him.

Cotton also questioned whether Intel’s board had required Tan to divest from Chinese chip firms linked to the Chinese military or Communist Party. He wanted to know if Tan fully disclosed all ties to Chinese companies, especially since Intel is involved in the Secure Enclave program. This initiative, launched under the Biden administration, aims to secure the supply of microelectronics for US defence purposes.

Since Intel receives federal funding for this programme, Cotton had urged the board to clarify Tan’s investments, professional roles, or other connections to Chinese firms.

“Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations," Cotton wrote. “Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations."

An Intel spokesperson had responded, saying, “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."

The company had further stated that it would cooperate fully with Senator Cotton and address the concerns raised in his letter.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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