Trump praises Intel CEO soon after leveling serious criticism

 August 12, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump recently lavished praise on Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, reversing his earlier harsh criticisms.

After demanding his resignation last week over alleged conflicts of interest, President Donald Trump has now commended Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan following a key meeting, as CNBC reports.

The meeting, which took place on Monday, included not only Trump and Lip-Bu Tan but also Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Described by Trump as "very interesting," the discussion signaled a notable shift in the President's perspective toward Tan and Intel.

Unexpected reversal

Last week, the atmosphere was less cordial when Trump demanded Tan's immediate resignation, citing "high conflicts" due to Tan’s connections with China. This week, however, Tan was praised for his contributions to the U.S. technology sector.

Amid these discussions, an Intel spokesperson described the meeting as a "candid and constructive discussion" on strengthening U.S. leadership in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

President Trump articulated his surprise at Tan's strategic vision, which includes plans to rejuvenate and push Intel forward despite its recent struggles, particularly in the AI sector.

Details of strategic business meeting

In response to these developments, Intel reiterated its commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security interests, possibly in a move to temper the rising concerns about Tan's affiliations with Chinese-linked companies.

This meeting came shortly after controversies stirred by Sen. Tom Cotton, who raised alarms about Tan’s investments in Chinese firms last week. Interestingly, Tan assumed his role as CEO of Intel in March, following Pat Gelsinger’s tenure.

The dialogue between Trump and Tan also emphasized future collaborations and strategies aimed at enhancing the competitive edge of the United States in global tech and manufacturing.

Nvidia negotiations shed light on broader trends

Redefining its business strategies under Tan's leadership, Intel has faced challenges in the competitive artificial intelligence market, prompting significant operational revisions and delayed manufacturing projects. This operational shift is part of a broader pattern affecting the tech industry.

Another related development was Nvidia's recent negotiation with the Trump administration. Nvidia agreed to give a 15% cut of its chip sales to China in exchange for export control licenses, an arrangement Trump boasted about, initially demanding 20%.

The deal not only impacts Nvidia's business flows but also showcases the intricate negotiations involved in international tech commerce, reflecting Trump's transactional approach to political-economic interactions.

Future plans, expectations unfold

Lip-Bu Tan expressed optimism about Intel's trajectory under his leadership, acknowledging the significant adjustments needed. "Turning the company around will take time and require patience. We have a lot to fix in order to move the company forward," he said.

The rapport between Tan and the Trump administration may mark a critical pivot not just for Intel but for how U.S. tech firms engage with the White House on issues of global economic competition and security.

As Intel commits to reshaping its strategies, the tech world watches closely to see how these changes will influence global markets and U.S. economic interests going forward.

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