US President Donald Trump has publicly called Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bo Tan to step down. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Intel’s CEOs are highly disputed and should resign immediately. There is no other solution to this problem.” Amid growing concerns in Washington at Washington’s previous link in Washington, especially during its time in the Cardens Design System, there is a company that recently admitted to a Chinese military university to break up American export laws by selling chip design equipment.

Lip-Bo Tan took over as CEO of Intel in March 2025. But now, questions are being raised about whether Intel examined him properly before appointing him. One of the fastest voices is Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who sent a letter to Intel’s Board Chairman Frank Annie. In the letter, Cotton asked if Intel had noticed the legal troubles related to the pool when Tan was in charge there. He also expressed concern about TAN’s investment in Chinese semiconductor companies, some of whom are allegedly associated with the Chinese Army or Communist Party.

Cotton’s letter also referred to Intel’s participation to the safe enclave program, which is an American government’s effort to protect the country’s microchip supply chain for defense use. Since Intel is receiving taxpayer’s money under this program, Cotton argued that Tan needs complete transparency around the previous relationship and investments. He also wanted to know if the board needed a tan to sell his interests in any Chinese firms before stepping into its current role.

according to a Roots Report, Tan, invested over $ 200 million in hundreds of Chinese tech and chipmaking firms between 2012 and 2024. A source claimed that Tan later sold many of those investments, but public records in China still listed it as joining with some companies, as recently as this year.

Intel replied with a small statement, stating that both the company and Tan are committed to protecting US national security. The company said that it is planning to work with MPs and address their questions.

Amidst all this, the issue has already affected Intel’s stock. After Trump’s post went viral, Intel’s shares declined by more than 3 percent before the stock market opened in New York. It is not clear whether the dispute will make any immediate change in the company, but it does not seem that it is going to disappear soon.