Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan responded to US President Donald Trump’s call for his resignation with a written statement. In a letter to Intel employees, Tan denied the allegations and stated that he had always adhered to legal and ethical standards throughout his career.
Lip-Bu Tan Responds to Trump
Trump’s call followed a letter sent to Intel’s board by Republican Senator Tom Cotton. Cotton highlighted Tan’s past connections to China-based companies and the potential risks these relationships pose to US national security.
It was highlighted that Tan had invested in several Chinese technology companies, most notably SMIC, China’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, through his venture capital firm.
Cadence Design, the electronics design software company Tan ran before becoming CEO, has also been at the center of the controversy. Last week, it was revealed that Cadence sold semiconductor design tools to a military-linked university in China, in violation of US export laws. The company admitted the violation and agreed to a fine exceeding $140 million.
As the controversy escalated, Intel remained silent. In his letter, Tan stated that Intel had communicated directly with the White House and that efforts were ongoing to ensure accurate information regarding the allegations were shared with the public. He emphasized that he remained in his position despite calls for his resignation and that he had the support of the Intel board of directors.
Tan noted that the period he began his tenure was a challenging one for Intel. He stated that he was trying to compensate for market losses to competitors like TSMC. A cost-cutting program was implemented, and it was announced that the next-generation A14 production technology could be suspended if large-scale customers were not found. Tan stated that this strategy was approved by the company’s board of directors.
These developments demonstrate the increasing political pressure on executives with backgrounds linked to China in the US technology sector. Lip-Bu Tan’s position has become a center of discussion not only within the company but also in the context of national security.
