Trump Threatens Intel CEO, Demands Immediate Resignation Over Alleged “Pro-China” Moves

Washington, D.C. — August 8, 2025 — In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric against corporate America, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a direct public threat to the CEO of Intel Corporation, demanding his immediate resignation over what Trump calls “unpatriotic business decisions that favor China over the United States.”

Trump’s explosive comments came through his official account on Truth Social, where he criticized Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger for allegedly prioritizing overseas semiconductor production and failing to uphold what Trump described as “American values and American jobs.” The former president wrote: Pat Gelsinger has FAILED America. Intel took billions in taxpayer money, then turned around and outsourced production to Asia. He must RESIGN IMMEDIATELY! We need leaders who put AMERICA FIRST, not China first

The Background: Tensions Over Global Manufacturing

Intel, one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, has been at the center of U.S. efforts to rebuild domestic chip production, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. The U.S. government passed the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, allocating over $50 billion in subsidies and incentives to boost domestic chip production.

Intel was one of the major beneficiaries of this funding and had announced significant investments in U.S.-based factories, particularly in Arizona and Ohio. However, recent reports revealed that Intel is also maintaining and expanding its partnerships in Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam, raising concerns among some policymakers and nationalists about America’s continued reliance on foreign supply chains.

This appears to be the trigger for Trump’s fury.

Trump’s Accusations: “Betrayal of American Taxpayers”

Trump accused Intel of betraying the trust of American taxpayers by “taking subsidies and investing them overseas.” He also warned other tech CEOs that “patriotic leadership” would be a central focus of his potential second term in office.

In another Truth Social post, Trump said: Corporate greed must not come before national security. These CEOs are happy to take handouts from the government but don’t want to invest in American workers. Disgraceful

He further threatened to investigate companies like Intel if re-elected in 2028 and hinted at “serious consequences” for firms that, in his words, “play both sides.”

Intel’s Position: A Global Company with U.S. Commitments

While Intel has not issued a direct response to Trump’s comments, insiders close to the company have rejected the former president’s claims. They emphasize that Intel remains fully committed to expanding U.S. manufacturing, pointing to the multibillion-dollar projects already underway.

A spokesperson said on background: Intel is a global company. While we are investing heavily in the U.S., we must also maintain international partnerships to ensure competitiveness, innovation, and supply chain stability. These are not political decisions — they are strategic ones.

Industry experts agree. According to Dr. Lena Monroe, a professor of global supply chain economics at MIT: The semiconductor industry is inherently global. No country, including the U.S., can produce every component domestically without significantly higher costs and delays.

Mixed Reactions: Supporters Cheer, Critics Condemn

Trump’s comments have divided public opinion. His supporters have praised him for standing up to “woke corporations” and “unaccountable CEOs,” claiming that corporate America needs to be held more accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars.

On the other hand, business leaders, economists, and political opponents have condemned Trump’s remarks as reckless, anti-business, and politically motivated.

Senator Amy Klobuchar said in a press statement: Trying to bully private CEOs into resigning through social media rants is not leadership. It’s dangerous populism. If Trump wants accountability, he should support legislative oversight — not online threats.

Will the Intel CEO Resign?

As of now, Pat Gelsinger remains in his position as CEO of Intel. Sources within the company say he has no intention of stepping down, and the board has expressed full confidence in his leadership.

Meanwhile, political analysts see Trump’s latest attack as part of his broader strategy to frame himself as a “protector of American industry” ahead of a possible second presidential run in 2028.

Conclusion: A Brewing Corporate-Political Battle

This incident may mark a deeper clash between corporate globalism and rising economic nationalism. As the 2028 election cycle heats up, more CEOs may find themselves caught in the crosshairs of political agendas — particularly if their business strategies involve cooperation with international partners.

For Intel, the path forward will involve careful navigation between maintaining its global leadership in semiconductors and managing rising political scrutiny at home.