Donald Trump Targets Intel Boss Lip-Bu Tan, Citing National Concerns

International News: US President Donald Trump is once again in the spotlight for his strong and controversial statements. This time, his target is Intel’s newly appointed CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. In the middle of a heated tariff dispute, Trump has openly demanded Tan’s immediate resignation, claiming that the tech executive has deep business connections with Chinese companies, including some linked to China’s military.

Why Trump is Targeting Lip -Bu Tan

The issue came into focus after a Reuters investigation in April revealed that Lip-Bu Tan had invested more than $200 million between March 2012 and December 2024 in hundreds of Chinese chip manufacturing companies. Reports suggest that several of these firms are connected to China’s armed forces and advanced manufacturing sectors.

According to the Reuters report, Tan’s investments were made over more than a decade, and some companies he supported were seen as strategically important to China’s technology ambitions. The day after this report was published, Trump issued a public statement calling Tan “highly controversial” and insisting that he should step down as Intel’s chief executive. Trump also linked the controversy to ongoing US–China tensions in trade and technology, saying that leaders of major American companies should not have business histories that could benefit potential rivals.

Impact on Intel and the Stock Market

Trump’s comments and the Reuters revelations quickly affected investor confidence. On the same day his statement was made public, Intel’s stock value fell sharply. By the time the markets closed, the company’s shares had dropped nearly 3%. This decline added to the challenges Intel is already facing in a competitive global semiconductor market, especially as the US government pushes to reduce reliance on foreign chip production.

The situation has created fresh uncertainty for Intel’s leadership and future strategy. Analysts believe that even if Tan does not resign, the ongoing public and political pressure could impact the company’s reputation and business decisions.

Who is Lip-Bu Tan?

Lip-Bu Tan is a Malaysian-born American technology leader with decades of experience in the semiconductor industry. He became Intel’s CEO in March 2025, succeeding a period of leadership changes at the company. Tan is also the founder and chairman of Walden International, a well-known venture capital firm that has invested in numerous technology companies worldwide.

Before joining Intel, Tan served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems from 2009 to 2021, during which he helped the company strengthen its position in electronic design automation. He has also held senior roles with major corporations such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Schneider Electric.

Political and Business Implications

Trump’s demand for Tan’s resignation comes at a time when relations between the US and China remain tense, especially over trade, technology, and security issues. The Biden administration has already restricted exports of advanced chip-making equipment to China, and any ties between American tech leaders and Chinese firms are being closely examined.

Whether or not Lip-Bu Tan steps down, this incident shows how political tensions can directly influence the leadership and operations of global technology companies. For Intel, the challenge will be balancing its business interests with increasing political scrutiny, all while competing in one of the world’s most critical industries.