Associated Press Business Writer Michelle Chapman
Intel CEO Rip Bou Tan said after President Donald Trump should resign, he says he “always operate within the highest legal and ethical standards.”
On Thursday, Trump said on a true social platform that he said, “Intel CEO is very contradictory and must resign immediately. There is no other solution to this issue. Thank you for paying attention to this issue!”
After Sen. Tom Cotton sent Intel Chairman Frank Yearly a letter to Chairman Frank Inai, who has expressed concern about the relationship between China’s Communist Party and the semiconductor company reportedly linked to the People’s Liberation Army, Trump’s post landed and asked whether Tan had sold his interest in the companies to eliminate any conflicts of interest.
It was not immediately revealed Thursday whether Tan, who took over Intel’s CEO in March, sold his interest in the company.
Economic and political competition between the US and China is increasingly focusing on computer chips, AI and other digital technologies that are expected to shape future economic and military conflicts.
In a statement, Intel said it was “deeply committed to promoting US national and economic security interests, making important investments that are consistent with the President’s first agenda.”
Tan also addressed the situation and in his message to employees, said that in his message to his employees there was misinformation about his past role in Walden International and the Cadence Design System, and that he always follows the right standards.
Tan also said Inter was in contact with the Trump administration.
“We are involved in the administration to address the issues raised and to ensure that they have facts,” Tan said. “I fully share the President’s commitment to promoting national and economic security in the United States. I am grateful for his leadership in moving forward with these priorities. I am proud to lead a central company with these goals.”
The company’s shares rose slightly in pre-market trading on Friday.
Original issue: August 8, 2025, 8:58am EDT
