Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to visit White House to discuss his 'role' after Trump calls for his resignation

Trump’s post on Truth Social on Thursday, urging Tan to step down over ‘conflicts of interest,’ has added fresh turbulence to a company already grappling with losses

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday following a public call from former U.S. President Donald Trump last week for his resignation. The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources, that Tan intends to meet Trump in person to discuss his personal and professional background, as well as possible avenues of collaboration between Intel and the U.S. government.

The unusual situation began when Trump accused Tan of being “highly conflicted” because of his past business connections with Chinese companies. The former president’s remarks drew attention to Tan’s history of investments and raised questions among investors about Intel’s future direction under his leadership. According to previous reports, Tan has invested more than $200 million in various Chinese advanced manufacturing and semiconductor businesses, including some allegedly linked to the Chinese military.

Tan is expected to use the White House meeting to demonstrate his commitment to U.S. interests, particularly in the semiconductor sector, which is viewed as critical to national security. Sources indicated that he may propose strategies for strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and aligning Intel’s production priorities with U.S. economic and defense goals.

Before becoming Intel’s chief executive, Tan led Cadence Design Systems from 2008 until December 2021. During that time, the company sold chip design software to a Chinese military university reportedly involved in nuclear weapons simulation. Last month, Cadence agreed to plead guilty and pay over $140 million to settle U.S. charges related to those sales. The allegations have fueled debate about Tan’s suitability to lead Intel, especially at a time when the U.S. is seeking to reduce its reliance on foreign semiconductor supply chains.

Industry and political reaction

Trump’s intervention marked a rare instance of a U.S. political leader directly calling for the removal of a Fortune 500 CEO. The move sparked discussions in the financial community about the balance between corporate leadership autonomy and national security considerations. Some industry analysts noted that Intel’s manufacturing leadership in the U.S. could be at stake if political tensions influence executive decisions.

Tan has stated that he shares Trump’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security. The outcome of the meeting could determine not only his position at Intel but also the company’s approach to managing its global partnerships and domestic manufacturing agenda in the months ahead.