Trump Demands Intel CEO Resignation, Then Reverses After Meeting
Trump demanded Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign immediately over alleged China ties, claiming he is ‘highly conflicted’ due to $200 million in investments in Chinese semiconductor firms. Days later, Trump reversed course after meeting Tan, calling his ‘success and rise an amazing story.’
Context: Tan replaced Pat Gelsinger as Intel CEO in March 2025. Reuters investigation revealed Tan invested at least $200 million in 20+ Chinese advanced manufacturing and semiconductor companies through his venture funds, including firms with links to China’s military. Intel receives billions in CHIPS Act funding to build domestic semiconductor capacity.
Significance: Presidential interference in corporate leadership decisions replaces market dynamics with executive intimidation. Trump’s flip-flop after a meeting suggests policy outcomes depend on personal negotiations rather than consistent principles, demonstrating corporate America operating under presidential threat and favor rather than rule of law.
Key Actors
Sources (3)
- Trump demands resignation of Intel CEO over China ties - NBC News (2025-08-07) [Tier 1]
- Trump flip-flops on Intel CEO, calls him 'success' days after demanding resignation - CNBC (2025-08-11) [Tier 2]
- Trump Tyranny Tracker: Day 204 - Trump Tyranny Tracker (2025-08-17) [Tier 2]
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