Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the resignation of Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, accusing him of having financial ties to Chinese entities that could compromise national security. Trump described Tan as “highly conflicted” and unfit to lead a company receiving billions in federal subsidies intended to strengthen America’s semiconductor manufacturing. His remarks were echoed by Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who urged Intel’s board to examine Tan’s background more closely.
The public criticism triggered an immediate drop in Intel’s share price, falling by more than 3% in a single day. The incident has intensified the spotlight on both Tan’s leadership and Intel’s broader role in U.S. technology policy.
CEO Pushes Back
Lip-Bu Tan has firmly rejected the allegations, calling them misinformation and stressing his long track record of ethical business conduct. He pledged full cooperation with the U.S. administration to address any concerns and emphasized that Intel’s board fully supports his leadership. Tan also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing domestic semiconductor production.
Ohio Plant Faces Delays
The controversy comes amid growing frustration in Ohio over Intel’s multi-billion-dollar semiconductor plant, which was once projected to begin operations in 2025 but is now expected to be delayed into the early 2030s. Critics, including Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, accuse Intel of failing to meet its promises on job creation and investment, and some are calling for a state-level fraud investigation.
Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel has urged patience, pointing to the scale of infrastructure needed for such a facility. However, local officials and residents are growing impatient, concerned that the delays could undercut the state’s economic development plans.
A High-Stakes Clash
The dispute over Tan’s leadership and Intel’s Ohio project underscores the intersection of national security, global competition in technology, and local economic expectations. With political pressure mounting and project deadlines slipping, Intel finds itself navigating one of the most challenging moments in its recent history.
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