Trump calls Intel Boss Lip-Bu Tan to resign because of the alleged Chinese links

President Donald Trump has called on US chipmaker Intel to resign “immediately”, accusing him of having problematic ties with China.

In a social media publication, Trump said Lip-Bu Tan is “highly conflict”, apparently referring to his alleged investment in companies that the United States is said to have been tied to the Chinese military. It is unusual for the president to demand the resignation of Corporate CEO.

In a note to the staff, D -T Tan retired against criticism as “misinformation”.

“I have always acted in the highest legal and ethical standards,” he said for more than 40-year career in the United States.

Mr Tan, a US citizen, born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore, is a risk capitalist known for his experience in the semiconductor industry.

He was appointed in March to turn around Intel, a pioneer of the chips industry in the United States, which has recently been behind competitors.

The technical giant has received billions of dollars from the US government as part of the efforts to restore the production of semiconductors in the United States.

Intel shares fell over 3% on Thursday after Trump’s attack, which was previously critical of the company and was preparing to raise the tariffs for the chip industry.

“Intel CEO is a strong conflict and has to resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem,” ” Trump wroteS

It is not illegal to invest in Chinese companies.

But Washington has increased restrictions after Trump’s first term, as he insists on interrupting business connections between the US and China when it comes to advanced technology, as both Democrats and Republicans are openly worried about national security.

Trump’s attack was concerned broadcast by Republican Senator Tom Cotton this week through letter On board Intel, which says that “G -N Tan Associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to be” responsible manager of US taxpayer dollars and to comply with the applicable security provisions. “

Cotton cited the role of G -H -Tan as a longtime CEO of the technology company Cadence Design Systems, which pleaded guilty in July and agreed to pay $ 140 million Over the US accusation that her subsidiary in China has repeatedly carried out a business with the country’s National Defense University, violating US export control.

D -n Tang himself was not charged.

“Intel, the Board of Directors and the LIP-BU TAN are deeply committed to developing US national and economic interests,” Intel said in a statement on Thursday, adding that he makes significant investments in the United States, led to America’s First Program.

“We look forward to our continuous engagement with the administration.”

Industry expert Patrick Murhead, founder of Moor Insights & Strategy, said he believes Trump is using the dispute over the tan’s ties with China to put pressure on Intel on some other issue.

He pointed out potential disputes over Intel investment in the US and reports on a possible partnership with Taiwanese TSMC, supported by the White House.

“It is obvious to me that there are negotiations among the two that Trump did not like,” he said. “Trump probably saw,” Okay, I have the opportunity to increase the heat with Intel for that. “

In a recent investor update, D -T Tan said that the company would reduce its investment in production, including in the US, to match customer demand.

Intel has already shortened thousands of jobs as part of the company’s “right -wing” efforts.

Trump is known for being focused on business leaders with public criticism to the extent unheard of by other presidents. But even by its standards, the request for the leader of a private company to resign is exceptional.

Moorhead said that other technology leaders who found themselves in Trump’s cross -haired hair had come up with ways to “kiss the ring” by pointing to promises from companies like Apple and Openai to make big investments in the United States.

“Intel is probably wrong to read the room about how important it is to enter and be visible to the White House,” he said.

In response to critics who said Trump has gone too far, the White House told the BBC: “President Trump remains fully committed to protecting our country’s national and economic security. This includes guaranteeing that emblematic US companies are guided by men and women who can trust Americans.”

The links of G -H -Tan with China were noticed in a 2024 congress report, referring to links between US investment firms and Chinese business.

They were also the subject of Reuters investigation in April, which found that it had invested at least $ 200 in hundreds of Chinese companies, some of which were related to the Chinese military. Investments were made in person or although its funds between 2012 and December 2024.

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, an ally of Trump, embarked on the attack on G -N -Tan on Thursday, criticizing Intel to delay his plans for the production of chips in the United States.

But the clash with Trump can add to the challenges that the company faces, along with the American chip production, is currently.

“Intel hopes America will build more chip capacity and struggles to do so so far,” said Janet Egan, a senior associate at the Center for New American Security. “It is important to get leadership continuity to support this increase in capacity.”