Trump gave as his reason that Tan is “highly conflicted” because of ties to China. “There is no other solution to this problem,” he said..
It comes after US Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas wrote to Intel Chairman Frank Yeary to “express concerns about the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and its potential impact on U.S. national security.”
Cotton wrote that Tan, “reportedly controls dozens of Chinese companies and has a stake in hundreds of Chinese advanced-manufacturing and chip firms. At least eight of these companies reportedly have ties to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.”
Referring to the $8 billion Intel has received under the US Chips Act, Cotton said: “Intel is required to be a responsible steward of American taxpayer dollars and to comply with applicable security regulations. Mr Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations.”
Since taking over at Intel, Tan has embarked on a sacking and cost-slashing strategy which has made some think he is intent on taking Intel out of contention as a leading-edge chip-maker
