President Donald Trump has not been pleased with the chip and semiconductor industry of late. Trump had some harsh words for the CEO of Intel, Lip-Bu Tan, with the president asking for his resignation.
Now it looks like Lip-Bu Tan is firing back at Trump. In a companywide email, published on Intel’s blog Thursday, Tan defended his integrity and reaffirmed his commitment to leading the largest U.S. chipmaker through a critical transformation.
“The United States has been my home for more than 40 years,” Tan wrote. “Leading Intel at this critical moment is not just a job — it’s a privilege.”
READ: Intel plans mass layoffs ahead of earnings report (April 23, 2025)
Lip-Bu Tan was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Intel Corporation in early 2025, officially beginning his tenure on March 18. With decades of leadership experience in the semiconductor and technology industries, Tan is recognized for his strategic vision and deep understanding of chip manufacturing and innovation. Prior to joining Intel as CEO, he was a prominent venture capitalist and served as chairman of Cadence Design Systems, where he guided the company through significant growth phases.
Tan’s appointment came during a critical period for Intel, as the company continues to navigate intense global competition, supply chain challenges, and a strategic push toward advanced semiconductor manufacturing on U.S. soil. Under his leadership, Intel has focused on ramping up production capabilities, strengthening its research and development efforts, and fostering partnerships aimed at technological innovation and national security.
Tan’s tenure has not been without controversy. In 2025, political scrutiny arose over his previous business ties and investments related to China, drawing public and governmental attention. Despite this, Tan reaffirmed his commitment to Intel’s mission and ethical standards, emphasizing the company’s vital role in U.S. technology leadership.
READ: CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s Intel overhaul: 15% job cuts, factory pauses (July 25, 2025)
Trump’s attack, posted on Truth Social Thursday, came two days after GOP Sen. Tom Cotton flagged Tan’s prior investments in Chinese companies and his previous leadership at Cadence Design Systems, which recently pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling its tech to a blacklisted military university in China.
In his message, Tan positioned Intel as vital to U.S. economic and national security, highlighting the company’s progress toward high-volume manufacturing of advanced semiconductors on American soil later this year — a milestone he called “a testament” to his employees’ work.
He added that Intel is working with the Trump administration to “ensure they have the facts.”
His defense against calls for resignation highlights his dedication and integrity, underscoring the importance of transparency and collaboration with government authorities.