Intel CEO responds to Trump's demand to resign
Lip-Bu Tan, the head of Intel, whom the US president is demanding to leave his position due to ties to China, commented on Donald Trump's statement and said that he is working with the administration to resolve these issues.
In a letter sent to all Intel employees shortly after Trump's announcement, Tan said the United States has been his home for more than 40 years, that he loves the country and is deeply grateful for the opportunities it has given him. He also said he loves Intel and that leading the company at a critical time "is not just a job, it's a privilege."
"This industry has given me so much, our company has played such a pivotal role, and it's the honor of my career to work with you all to restore Intel's strength and create the innovations of the future. Intel's success is essential to U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership, national security, and economic strength. This is what fuels our business around the world. It’s what motivated me to join this team, and it’s what drives me every day to advance the important work we’re doing together to build a stronger future," Tan wrote.
He also said there is a lot of misinformation circulating about his previous roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems, which also had security concerns with the US government. He says he has "always operated to the highest legal and ethical standards" for more than 40 years, building relationships around the world.
He then directly commented on the US president's demands that the Intel CEO step down:
"We are engaging with the Administration to address the matters that have been raised and ensure they have the facts. I fully share the President’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security, I appreciate his leadership to advance these priorities, and I’m proud to lead a company that is so central to these goals."
Finally, Tan said that Intel's board of directors fully supports his work to transform the company, which includes cutting 33,000 jobs by the end of 2025 and abandoning a manufacturing process that has cost billions of dollars.
"It’s especially exciting to see us ramping toward high-volume manufacturing using the most advanced semiconductor process technology in the country later this year. It will be a major milestone that’s a testament to your work and the important role Intel plays in the U.S. technology ecosystem," said Tan.