Today, U.S. Republican Senator Tom Cotton wrote a letter to Intel’s Board Chair, raising concerns about the new CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s possible connections to Chinese companies. In his letter, Cotton discussed a recent legal case involving Tan’s former employer, Cadence Design.
Cotton wrote that he expresses “concern about the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and its potential impact on U.S. national security”.
“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.”
Cotton also asked Intel chairperson Frank Yeary whether the company’s board was aware of the subpoenas sent to Cadence during Tan’s tenure as CEO, before Intel hired him, and if so, what steps were taken to address those concerns.
Cotton questioned whether Intel’s Board mandated Tan to sell off investments in Chinese chip companies linked to the Chinese military or Communist Party.
He also inquired whether Tan adequately disclosed any other ties with Chinese companies, given Intel’s role in the Secure Enclave program—an effort to ensure a stable microelectronics supply for defense, for which Intel obtained federal funding.
In response to Senator Cotton’s letter, an Intel spokesperson said that Intel would discuss the issues raised with the Senator, stating, “Intel and Mr. Tan are deeply committed to the national security of the United States and to the integrity of our role in the U.S. defense ecosystem.”
Tan served as Cadence’s CEO from 2008 to 2021 and remained as executive chairman until May 2023. He became Intel’s CEO in March 2025.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
