Trump: Intel CEO Andy Grove Must Resign Immediately, No Other Solutions

US President Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social" on Thursday, stating, "The conflict of interest of the Intel CEO is very serious and must resign immediately. There is no other solution. Thank you for your attention to this issue!" Earlier, Republican U.S. Senator Cotton wrote a letter to the chairman of the Intel board on Wednesday, questioning the relationship between the new CEO of the chipmaker, Andy Grove, and Chinese companies, as well as the recent criminal cases of Cadence Design, where he previously served as CEO.

According to Reuters, in a letter to the chairman of the Intel board, Yeri, Cotton expressed concern about "the security and integrity of Intel's operations and its potential impact on U.S. national security," and asked whether the Intel board was aware that Cadence Design had received subpoenas during the time when Grove was the CEO of the company, before Intel hired him.

Cotton questioned what measures Intel had taken to address these concerns.

Last September, the Biden administration announced that according to the CHIPS and Science Act, Intel had received up to $3 billion in direct funding for the "Secure Edge Program." Intel will help ensure the security of the domestic chip supply chain in the United States and work with the Pentagon to enhance the resilience of American technological systems by advancing secure and cutting-edge solutions.

Because Intel received federal funds under this program, Cotton questioned Yeri in the letter about whether they disclosed information regarding Grove's investments, professional roles, or other relationships with Chinese companies. Cotton wrote, "Intel must responsibly manage the money of American taxpayers and comply with applicable security regulations. Mr. Chen's association with Intel raises questions about his ability to fulfill these obligations."

An Intel spokesperson later stated in a statement: "Intel and Mr. Chen are firmly committed to maintaining the national security of the United States and the integrity of our role in the U.S. defense ecosystem." The company said it would discuss these issues with Cotton. Chen is the first Chinese-American CEO of Intel, with over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor and software industries.

In April this year, Reuters reported that Chen himself or through venture capital funds he founded or operated had invested in hundreds of Chinese companies. Reuters found that during the period from March 2012 to December 2024, the current CEO of Intel had invested at least $200 million in hundreds of Chinese advanced manufacturing and chip companies.

A source told the reporter that Chen had withdrawn from his holdings in Chinese entities, but did not provide more details. At the time, Reuters reviewed Chinese databases showing that many of his investments were current, and Reuters could not determine the specific scale of Chen's withdrawal at that time.

Chen served as CEO of Cadence Design from 2008 to 2021 and remained as its executive chairman until May 2023. Selling hardware and software to Chinese entities occurred during his leadership at Cadence Design, which produces design software and other tools used in chip manufacturing.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1839804555429888/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.