U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, citing concerns over his extensive investments in Chinese technology companies — including at least eight with reported links to China’s People’s Liberation Army. The demand comes just months after Tan took over leadership of the struggling semiconductor giant.
According to an April Reuters investigation, Tan’s decades-long career includes hundreds of investments in Chinese firms, both personally and through venture funds he founded. On Wednesday, Reuters also reported that Senator Tom Cotton had raised questions about Tan’s ties to China and a recent criminal case involving his former company, Cadence Design Systems.
Reactions from analysts and investors have been sharply divided. Some view Tan’s knowledge of China’s semiconductor industry as an invaluable asset for Intel and the U.S., while others see Trump’s intervention as a sign of escalating political pressure and market uncertainty.
Key reactions:
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Anshel Sag, Moor Insights & Strategy – Criticized Trump’s call, arguing that Tan’s deep understanding of China’s semiconductor capabilities could benefit Intel and the U.S., making him more valuable rather than less.
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David Wagner, Aptus Capital Advisors – Said Trump’s move reflects his broader push to bring business back to the U.S., noting the momentum from the recent Apple deal.
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Ryuta Makino, Gabelli Funds – Suggested Trump’s motives may be tied to Intel’s manufacturing strategy and possible deals with TSMC, calling it “very much a political move.”
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Blake Anderson, Carson Group – Warned that such political disputes highlight Intel’s reliance on external factors for its manufacturing turnaround, increasing long-term uncertainty.
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Shiraz Ahmed, Sartorial Wealth – Noted that Trump has a history of publicly criticizing corporate leaders and predicted it will not be the last such intervention.
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Phil Blancato, Ladenburg Thalmann – Called it a troubling precedent for presidents to dictate corporate leadership, but acknowledged Trump’s opinion carries weight. He added that Intel’s problems extend beyond its CEO and require “real, radical change.”
The Intel board has yet to respond publicly, but the controversy underscores the growing intersection of geopolitics and corporate governance in the U.S. technology sector.