Intel issued a conciliatory statement Monday following CEO Lip-Bu Tan‘s White House visit, emphasizing the company’s commitment to American technology leadership after President Trump‘s recent call for the executive’s resignation over alleged China ties.“Earlier today, Mr. Tan had the honor of meeting with President Trump for a candid and constructive discussion on Intel’s commitment to strengthening US technology and manufacturing leadership,” Intel said. “We appreciate the President’s strong leadership to advance these critical priorities and look forward to working closely with him and his Administration as we restore this great American company.”The corporate statement followed Trump‘s own social media post describing the meeting as “very interesting” and calling Tan‘s career rise “an amazing story.” The president announced that Tan and cabinet members would continue discussions next week to “bring suggestions to me,” signalling a collaborative approach after days of public tension.

Intel responds to Presidential criticism with diplomatic messaging

The company’s measured response follows Trump’s social media post declaring Tan “highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately.” The president’s criticism centered on concerns raised by Senator Tom Cotton about the CEO’s previous business relationships with Chinese companies and his leadership history at Cadence Design Systems.Tan had previously served as CEO of Cadence until 2021, during which time the company recently admitted to unlawfully exporting semiconductor design software to a Chinese university involved in nuclear research. The Justice Department settlement required Cadence to pay nearly $118 million in criminal penalties for the violations.Intel’s statement notably avoided addressing these specific allegations while positioning the company as aligned with Trump’s America First technology agenda.

American chipmaker seeks to protect federal funding and business relationships

The diplomatic outreach reflects Intel’s vulnerable position as a major recipient of federal CHIPS Act investments totalling $8.5 billion for domestic manufacturing expansion. The company has committed to building advanced semiconductor facilities in Arizona, Ohio, and New Mexico as part of the national security initiative.Tan assumed Intel’s leadership in March after the board removed Pat Gelsinger, inheriting significant operational challenges including declining market share and intense competition from rivals like Nvidia in emerging AI chip markets. His White House meeting represents Intel’s effort to maintain crucial government partnerships while addressing political concerns about foreign business connections in the increasingly sensitive semiconductor industry.