United States President Donald Trump has called on Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to resign, claiming Tan is “highly conflicted” after Republicans raised concerns about Tan’s China-based interests.
While Trump did not describe Tan’s alleged conflict of interest, his comment comes shortly after Republican Senator Tom Cotton wrote to Intel’s board saying companies Tan held a stake in maintained ties to China’s military.
“The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Mr. Tan reportedly controls dozens of Chinese companies and has a stake in hundreds of Chinese advanced-manufacturing and chip firms. At least eight of these companies reportedly have ties to the Chinese People's Liberation Army,” Cotton said in his letter to Frank Yeary, chair of Intel’s board.
Cotton’s letter asked if Tan had divested from his China-based interests. Reuters reported in April that Tan had invested in hundreds of Chinese technology companies, including at least eight with links to the country’s military.
“Intel and Mr Tan are deeply committed to the national security of the United States and the integrity of our role in the US defense ecosystem. We appreciate Senator Cotton’s focus on these shared priorities,” wrote Intel in a statement.
Tan has led Intel since March, and was previously CEO of U.S.-based technology company Cadence Design Systems.
Trump also said yesterday that the U.S. would add a 100% tariff on foreign-made semiconductors and chips. Intel is based in the U.S., with major semiconductor plants in Oregon and Arizona.
Imported chips from companies that have pledged to build in the U.S. will be exempt, Trump said.
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