WASHINGTON, August 13 — In a striking shift from last week’s demand for his resignation, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan on Monday for what both sides described as a candid and constructive discussion on strengthening U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership.
Joined by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trump praised Tan’s “amazing success story” and said his cabinet members would work with the CEO to bring him recommendations next week.
The meeting follows days of political turbulence after Trump labelled Tan “highly conflicted” over past investments in Chinese companies. Intel said the conversation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing national and economic security interests while restoring the company’s leadership in the semiconductor industry.
Tan, who took over as CEO in March, has already initiated sweeping changes, including divestments, layoffs, and a strategic pivot to bolster Intel’s competitiveness in AI chips — an area where rival Nvidia dominates.
The high-profile encounter comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions in the tech sector, with Washington tightening controls on semiconductor exports. The turnaround in tone from the White House boosted investor confidence, with Intel shares rising more than 3% in extended trading.
While Trump’s earlier call for Tan’s ouster sparked concerns over political interference in corporate affairs, Monday’s meeting suggests a temporary détente, with both parties signalling a willingness to collaborate on keeping Intel’s manufacturing capabilities firmly rooted in the United States.
