Trump Calls for Intel CEO's Resignation Amidst Chipmaker's Turnaround Efforts

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

In August 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly asked Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, to step down from his job. Trump said he was worried because Tan had investments in some Chinese companies.

Some of these companies are believed to have links to China’s military. This call for resignation has raised concerns about Intel’s plans to improve its business.

Who Is Lip-Bu Tan?
Lip-Bu Tan became the CEO of Intel in March 2025. He was hired to help the company get through some tough times. Before Intel, Tan was the CEO of a company called Cadence Design Systems.

This company makes software and tools for building computer chips. While Tan was there, the company faced legal problems because it sold products to a Chinese university connected to the military, which was against the law.

What Did Trump Say?
Trump said Tan had a “conflict of interest” because he had invested in many Chinese companies, including some linked to the Chinese military. Another politician, Senator Tom Cotton, also shared worries. He asked if Tan had sold his shares in those companies to avoid conflicts.

How Did Intel Respond?
Intel said that both Tan and its board of directors are fully committed to protecting U.S. security and economic interests. The company said it is investing a lot in research and building new factories in the United States, including one in Arizona.

What Could Happen Next?
Tan’s plan for Intel is to focus on important products and make the company’s operations more efficient. But the public criticism and political pressure might distract him. Experts say this controversy could slow down Intel’s efforts to improve and compete in the chip market.

What Is the Industry Saying?
The chip industry is watching this situation closely. Other companies like Nvidia and Apple have invested a lot in making chips inside the U.S. to support the country’s goals. Intel, under Tan, has taken a more careful approach, expanding only when there is enough demand instead of spending a lot all at once.

Why Does This Matter?
The call for Tan’s resignation adds uncertainty to Intel’s recovery. Intel is a big player in the global chip market, and many people are waiting to see how the company will handle these problems. It is important to watch how Intel moves forward and if it can keep its plans going despite the political challenges.

• Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan was asked to resign because of his past investments in Chinese companies.
• Some of these companies may have links to the Chinese military.
• Intel says it is committed to U.S. security and is investing in American chip factories.
• The controversy could slow Intel’s plans to improve its business.
• The whole chip industry is watching closely as this situation unfolds.

CEO resignation