Intel CEO Faces Trump, Defends Role Amid Resignation Demand

- President Trump calls for Intel CEO’s resignation over alleged China ties. - CEO Lip-Bu Tan to meet with Trump to defend leadership. On August 14, 2025, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan will meet President Trump at the White House to defend his leadership. The meeting follows the president’s public call for Tan's removal over alleged ties to Chinese companies. Trump issued this unprecedented demand on August 7 after Senator Tom Cotton raised concerns about Tan's investments in Chinese firms, alleging that some of these firms have connections to the Chinese military. On August 11, Fox Business reported that Intel is actively engaging with the administration as Tan navigates mounting scrutiny. Public attention on the CEO’s business dealings surged after revelations that Tan previously headed Cadence Design Systems, a firm that pleaded guilty to unlawfully exporting technology to a Chinese military university and recently agreed to a settlement. In response, Tan issued a memo to Intel employees, calling the allegations "misinformation." He reaffirmed his commitment to "the highest legal and ethical standards" and underscored Intel’s dedication to U.S. national security. Tan views the upcoming White House meeting as an opportunity to present the facts and to explore avenues of collaboration with the federal government. The controversy has created ripple effects beyond politics, as Wall Street reacted swiftly to Trump’s August 7 resignation call. Consequently, Intel’s stock dropped more than 3% shortly after the president shared his remarks on Truth Social. According to a MarketWatch report on August 11, Intel Corporation (INTC) was trading at $33.45, with its 24-hour trading volume down 2.8%. Meanwhile, former Intel directors argue that the company's board and shareholders, not external influences, should decide Tan’s future. This situation unfolds amid fierce geopolitical tensions and heightened scrutiny of leadership within multinational tech companies. Intel already faces significant competition from global semiconductor giants like TSMC and Samsung. The outcome of the White House meeting could therefore have far-reaching implications, affecting the company’s market strategy, its position in the semiconductor race, and its alignment with U.S. national security priorities.