President Donald Trump issued a statement on Thursday calling for the resignation of Intel CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. The move comes in response to reports and allegations suggesting Tan’s connections to China. The demand for Tan’s resignation marks a significant development within the technology industry, where geopolitical concerns frequently intersect with corporate leadership.

In a brief but pointed statement, the White House emphasized the need for corporate leaders to prioritize national security interests. “The President believes that individuals in top leadership positions of major corporations should demonstrate unwavering commitment to safeguarding American interests,” a White House official stated, reflecting the administration’s stance on the matter.

Tan, a prominent figure in the semiconductor industry, has not issued a public response to the President’s call for his resignation. However, industry experts note that the situation underscores the increasingly complex challenges faced by tech executives in navigating international business relations, particularly with countries like China, amidst heightened scrutiny over security and economic issues.

While the President’s demand for Tan’s resignation has drawn attention, legal experts point out that the authority to remove a CEO lies primarily within the purview of a company’s board of directors. The unfolding situation raises questions about the intersection of corporate governance, national security concerns, and political pressures in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how Intel’s board and stakeholders will respond to President Trump’s call for Tan’s resignation. The outcome of this episode could potentially have broader implications for the technology sector and corporate leadership, as discussions around geopolitical influences on business decisions gain prominence in the public discourse.