Intel CEO’s Job On The Line After Trump’s China Ties Ultimatum—But There’s A Twist

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has been facing mounting pressure after President Donald Trump publicly called for his resignation over his alleged business ties to China.

With national security concerns at the forefront, Tan’s leadership is now at risk, as his future with the company hangs in the balance.

What Exactly Prompted Trump’s Reaction

Trump’s demand for Tan’s resignation is based on the CEO’s past business dealings with Chinese firms.

Tan, who became Intel’s CEO in March 2025, formerly headed Cadence Design Systems — a company that, in 2025, pleaded guilty to illegally exporting semiconductor design tools to a Chinese military-affiliated university.

In April also it was also reported that Tan controls over 40 Chinese companies and investment funds, holds minority stakes in more than 600 others — including at least eight linked to China’s PLA — and often co-invests with the Chinese government or state-owned entities through Walden International and his Hong Kong-based firms Sakarya Limited and Seine Limited.

As relations between the U.S. and China continue to deteriorate, these ties have become a point of contention, with critics claiming they pose national security risks. Trump’s accusations have placed additional pressure on Tan’s position, putting Intel’s leadership in the spotlight.

In response to the calls for his resignation, Tan has defended his record, highlighting that he has always operated with the highest legal and ethical standards.

What Happened During Tan’s Visit To The White House 

Days after calling for his resignation, Trump reversed track and praised Tan in a post on Truth Social after a meeting at the White House.

“I met with Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, of Intel, along with Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent. The meeting was a very interesting one. His success and rise is an amazing story. Mr. Tan and my Cabinet members are going to spend time together, and bring suggestions to me during the next week.”

The suggestions might include an investment in the U.S. or some other deal.

At the moment, it is not clear what will happen if Tan does not come to an agreement with the Trump administration.

How Trump’s Reaction Reflects The Broader Market

This situation underscores the broader issue of balancing business interests with national security priorities, particularly in the sensitive semiconductor sector.

While Intel's board has expressed support for Tan, the increasing pressure from U.S. lawmakers and public opinion complicates the company’s path forward.

Meanwhile, Nvidia and AMD have reportedly struck a deal with the Trump administration to pay 15% of their China chip sales revenues to the U.S. government in exchange for export licenses, enabling them to sell their advanced AI chips — Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308 — in China.

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