Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Wins Over Trump After Resignation Call
Former President Donald Trump appears to have softened his stance on Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan after previously calling for his resignation. Trump recently shared on Truth Social that he met with Tan, alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. While details of the discussion were not disclosed, Trump described it as a very interesting meeting and praised Tan’s success, calling his rise an amazing story.
This marks a shift from Trump’s earlier claims that Tan was highly conflicted due to his investments in Chinese firms, some of which reportedly had ties to China’s military. Trump had suggested Tan should step down, but now says the Intel CEO and his cabinet members will collaborate and present recommendations in the coming week.
Tan addressed the controversy in a letter to Intel employees, pushing back against what he called misinformation about his roles. He emphasized that he has always operated within legal and ethical standards and confirmed that Intel is working with the White House to clarify the facts.
The initial call for Tan’s resignation reportedly stemmed from concerns raised by Senator Tom Cotton, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, who questioned the security risks linked to Tan’s Chinese connections.
Tan took over as Intel CEO in March, inheriting a struggling company facing financial losses due to its underperforming foundry business. Since then, he has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions aimed at slashing 22 percent of jobs by year-end. He has also warned investors that Intel may halt development of its next-gen manufacturing tech if it fails to secure a major client.
The meeting with Trump suggests a potential easing of tensions, though the long-term impact on Intel’s business and Tan’s leadership remains uncertain.
