Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan defended his record Thursday after President Donald Trump publicly called for him to step down.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “The CEO of Intel is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem.” His comments came shortly after Sen. Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel Chairman Frank Yeary questioning Tan’s past investments and connections to semiconductor companies reportedly tied to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. Cotton pressed the board on whether Tan had divested from those holdings to eliminate any conflicts of interest.
It remains unclear whether Tan, who became Intel’s chief executive in March, has sold those interests. The dispute comes as the U.S.–China rivalry intensifies over control of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other critical digital technologies expected to shape both economic and military power in the years ahead.
In a statement, Intel said it is “deeply committed to advancing U.S. national and economic security interests and making significant investments aligned with the President’s America First agenda.”
Tan addressed the matter in a message to employees, saying there is “misinformation” circulating about his prior roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems, and stressing that he has “always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards.”
“We are engaging with the Administration to address the matters that have been raised and ensure they have the facts,” Tan wrote, adding that he shares the President’s commitment to U.S. security and is “proud to lead a company that is so central to these goals.”
The following note from Lip-Bu Tan was sent to all Intel Corporation employees on August 7, 2025:
Dear Team,
I know there has been a lot in the news today, and I want to take a moment to address it directly with you.
Let me start by saying this: The United States has been my home for more than 40 years. I love this country and am profoundly grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I also love this company. Leading Intel at this critical moment is not just a job – it’s a privilege. This industry has given me so much, our company has played such a pivotal role, and it’s the honor of my career to work with you all to restore Intel’s strength and create the innovations of the future. Intel’s success is essential to U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership, national security, and economic strength. This is what fuels our business around the world. It’s what motivated me to join this team, and it’s what drives me every day to advance the important work we’re doing together to build a stronger future.
There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about my past roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems. I want to be absolutely clear: Over 40+ years in the industry, I’ve built relationships around the world and across our diverse ecosystem – and I have always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards. My reputation has been built on trust – on doing what I say I’ll do, and doing it the right way. This is the same way I am leading Intel.
We are engaging with the Administration to address the matters that have been raised and ensure they have the facts. I fully share the President’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security, I appreciate his leadership to advance these priorities, and I’m proud to lead a company that is so central to these goals.
The Board is fully supportive of the work we are doing to transform our company, innovate for our customers, and execute with discipline – and we are making progress. It’s especially exciting to see us ramping toward high-volume manufacturing using the most advanced semiconductor process technology in the country later this year. It will be a major milestone that’s a testament to your work and the important role Intel plays in the U.S. technology ecosystem.
Looking ahead, our mission is clear, and our opportunity is enormous. I’m proud to be on this journey with you.
Thank you for everything you’re doing to strengthen our company for the future.
Lip-Bu
Intel shares edged higher in premarket trading Friday.
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