Intel Chief Tan Resists Calls for His Stephen-Down from Position
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Faces Controversy Over Past Investments
Lip-Bu Tan, the current CEO of Intel since mid-March 2025, has found himself embroiled in a controversy over his extensive past investments in Chinese semiconductor companies. Tan's venture capital firm, Walden International, which he founded in 1987, has been a significant investor in Asian, particularly Chinese, semiconductor companies[1][2][3].
This investment portfolio includes firms with alleged ties to the Chinese military and some blacklisted by the U.S. Commerce Department for human rights abuses and military links[3]. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Tan served as CEO of Cadence Design Systems, whose Chinese subsidiary recently pleaded guilty to violating U.S. export controls by doing business with China[5].
The allegations have led to concerns about potential conflicts of interest, with U.S. political figures, notably former President Donald Trump and Senator Tom Cotton, raising strong objections[2][4][5]. Trump publicly demanded Tan’s “immediate resignation,” labeling him “highly conflicted” due to his financial links to China[2][4][5]. Senator Cotton sent a letter to Intel’s board highlighting worries about the security implications of Tan’s investments in Chinese companies[4][5].
However, following a meeting with Trump and members of his cabinet on August 11, 2025, the tone has somewhat softened. Trump described the meeting as “very interesting” and acknowledged Tan’s successful career, indicating ongoing dialogue between Tan and U.S. government officials to address the concerns[4].
Despite the controversy, Tan has the full support of Intel's board and has been seeking to contain the damage caused by the controversy. Tan has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he's always adhered to the highest legal and ethical standards[6].
Tan's predecessor, Pat Gelsinger, had aimed to get Intel back on track with multi-billion dollar factory expansions. However, Tan has quickly deviated from these plans and is now implementing a strict austerity course[7].
The controversy has caused significant unrest at Intel, with some employees questioning Tan's ability to lead the company in light of the allegations[8]. Tan, who has built relationships around the world and in the diverse ecosystem of the industry over more than 40 years, has yet to provide new facts about his current plans for Intel[9].
References:
- Tan's Venture Capital Firm Walden International
- Trump Demands Tan's Resignation
- Tan's Investments in Chinese Semiconductor Firms
- Trump-Tan Meeting at the White House
- Cadence Design Systems' Guilty Plea
- Tan Denies Wrongdoing
- Tan's Austerity Course at Intel
- Unrest at Intel Over Tan's Leadership
- Tan's Global Relationships
The controversy surrounding Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan's past investments has extended into the realm of policy-and-legislation, with U.S. political figures expressing strong objections, including former President Donald Trump and Senator Tom Cotton. The politics surrounding this General-News event is fueled by concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Tan's portfolio includes firms with alleged ties to the Chinese military and some blacklisted by the U.S. Commerce Department.
