Trump Conferences with Intel CEO Following Criticisms, Previously Accusing Him of Conflicts due to Chinese Business Associations
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan met with United States President Donald Trump, along with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, in a meeting that was described by Trump as "very interesting."
The meeting comes amidst controversy over Tan's extensive investments in Chinese companies, including some linked to the Chinese military. Tan, through venture capital firms he founded such as Walden International and entities based in Hong Kong, invested at least $200 million in hundreds of Chinese advanced manufacturing and chip companies between March 2012 and December 2024. Some of these firms reportedly have connections to the Chinese military or state entities.
Tan has faced scrutiny over these investments, sparking concerns about a conflict of interest. He has publicly stated that he has always operated within legal and ethical standards throughout his 40+ years in the industry and emphasized his commitment to the United States and Intel since becoming CEO in March 2025.
Despite this, there has been significant political pressure. Former President Donald Trump has publicly demanded Tan's resignation from Intel, highlighting concerns over Tan’s ties to Chinese firms and expressing doubts about Intel’s future under his leadership. Last week, Trump demanded Tan's immediate resignation, calling him "highly conflicted" due to his past ties to Chinese firms.
The Reuters news agency reported exclusively in April about Tan's investments in Chinese firms. During his tenure at Cadence Design Systems, the company he led as CEO from 2008 through December 2021, Cadence sold products to a Chinese military university believed to be involved in simulating nuclear explosions.
Trump's call for Tan's resignation sparked debate among investors. Shares of Intel rose 2.2 percent in extended trading following the meeting, suggesting a positive response from the market. Tan could propose ways Intel and the US government could work together during his conversation with Trump.
Tan, a Malaysian-born Chinese American business executive, stressed his loyalty to the U.S. and Intel in official company communications amid the controversy. He hoped to win Trump's approval by showing his commitment to the US and guaranteeing the importance of keeping Intel's manufacturing capabilities as a national security issue.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Tan's success and rise is an "amazing story." During the meeting, Tan shared his commitment to advancing US national and economic security. The details of the conversation between Tan and Trump are not yet clear, but it is expected that Tan will discuss ways Intel and the US government could collaborate to address the concerns over Tan's investments in Chinese firms and ensure Intel's continued commitment to the US.
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