“Intel CEO has great conflicts of interest and must give way immediately. There is no other solution to this problem” – Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Although he did not present detailed arguments, his commentary appeared after the Republican senator and chairman of the Senate intelligence committee Tom Cotton accused Tan of relationships with the communist party of China.
“According to reports, Mr. Tan controls dozens of Chinese companies and has shares in hundreds of Chinese companies dealing with advanced production and production of integrated circuits. At least eight of these companies reportedly have connections with the Chinese People's Liberation Army” – Cotton wrote in a letter addressed to the Intel board, demanding explanations.
Allegations of relationships with China and Intel reaction
The senator also reminded that Tan had previously managed Cadence Design, which – as indicated – sold software for designing the chip of a military university in China. The case ended with a court settlement, under which the company had to pay $ 140 million.
In response to these accusations, Intel assured that “Intel and Mr. Tan are deeply involved in the national security of the United States and the integrity of its role in the area of US defense“And he announced a response to the Senator's letter.
Lip-Bu Tan took the position of Intel CEO in March, having to restore the company's position in the chip industry. Recently, the company decided to withdraw from plans to build factories in Poland and Germany, assessing that previous investments were too ambitious.
Intel has contracts with the US Department of Defense and is the largest beneficiary of funds from the Chips Act, adopted as the presidency of Joe Biden, which aims to rebuild the national semiconductor sector.
Trump's speech took place the day after his introduction declaration 100 % duties for imported semiconductors. However, only those companies would cover the duties They will not commit to building factories in the USA. It is worth noting that most of Intel production plants are located on the territory of the United States.
