Intel CEO reaffirms commitment to company amid Trump’s call for resignation

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) CEO Lip-Bu Tan issued a statement to employees on Wednesday, reaffirming his commitment to the company and its mission amid growing political scrutiny.

In the memo, Tan emphasized transparency and Intel’s continued focus on strengthening its leadership in the semiconductor industry. “There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about my past roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems,” he wrote. “I want to be absolutely clear: Over 40+ years in the industry, I’ve built relationships around the world and across our diverse ecosystem — and I have always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards.”

The statement follows a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump calling for Tan’s resignation. Trump’s remarks came on the heels of a letter sent by U.S. Republican Senator Tom Cotton to Intel’s board chair asking questions about Tan’s relations with Chinese companies and a recent criminal case involving his former company Cadence Design Systems (CDNS).

Tan exited his role as CEO of Cadence in 2021 and as board chairman in 2023. He has been CEO of Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) since March 2025.

Since then, Intel has announced a sweeping restructuring effort, including plans to cut 15% of its workforce. Tan noted that the company is “engaging with the Administration to address the matters that have been raised and ensure they have the facts.”

He also affirmed the board’s confidence in his leadership, stating: “The Board is fully supportive of the work we are doing to transform our company, innovate for our customers, and execute with discipline — and we are making progress.”