Intel faces political pressure after Trump resignation call

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan faces scrutiny after a Trump call for his resignation linked to investments tied to Chinese firms.

Intel faces pressure after Trump calls for Tan resignation

President Donald Trump urged Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign on Truth Social, accusing him of being conflicted due to Tan’s holdings in firms linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. A letter from Senator Tom Cotton to Intel's board questioned whether Tan had divested these holdings to avoid conflicts, and it remained unclear on Thursday whether any divestment had occurred.

Intel said it remains deeply committed to U.S. national and economic security and is engaging with the administration to address concerns. Tan told employees there was misinformation about his past roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems and that he has always followed proper standards. The company noted it is in contact with the Trump administration; the stock rose slightly in premarket trading.

The episode shows how politics now colors corporate leadership, especially in sectors tied to national security. Chipmakers operate at the intersection of technology and geopolitical strategy, so personal investments in global firms can become public concerns. As U.S. policy and market forces collide, governance practices around disclosure and divestment will be under closer scrutiny.

Investors will watch whether any divestment occurs and how transparently Intel communicates governance steps. If political pressure persists, boards may tighten disclosure rules, potentially affecting strategic moves. The broader implication is that policy choices and market responses are increasingly intertwined in the tech sector.

Highlights

The evolving dynamic between policy aims and corporate governance will keep testing leadership decisions in the months ahead.