U.S. President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to demand that Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, step down immediately. Trump accused Tan of holding conflicting interests that he described as "seriously intertwined," suggesting such ties are incompatible with leading one of the nation's most important chipmakers. However, Trump did not provide any evidence or elaborate on exactly how Tan's outside activities might undermine his duties at Intel. Tan became Intel's chief executive in March 2025, taking charge during a period of intense competition in the global semiconductor market. Intel is under pressure to accelerate its manufacturing road map and regain technological leadership over rivals in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Any uncertainty at the top of the company could affect Intel's strategic partnerships and long-term product planning, especially given the capital-intensive nature of its multibillion-dollar fab investments.
Before his appointment to Intel, Tan served for many years as CEO of Cadence Design Systems, a major provider of electronic-design automation software. Earlier this week, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) publicly asked Intel's board to clarify Tan's historical ties to Cadence, noting that Cadence licensed products to a Chinese academic institution. Cotton also highlighted reporting from Reuters indicating that Tan has invested in more than 600 Chinese firms, eight of which are said to have associations with China's People's Liberation Army. Cotton's letter did not directly call for Tan's resignation, but it did frame the issue as one of national security and oversight.
Although cotton's inquiry raised initial questions about Tan's record, it was President Trump's direct challenge that escalated the situation. By demanding an immediate resignation without presenting documentation, Trump inserted the highest level of political pressure on Intel. To date, neither Intel's board nor Lip-Bu Tan himself has responded publicly to Trump's statement. Observers in Washington and Silicon Valley will be watching closely for any corporate reply or clarification.
