Intel CEO Responds After Trump Calls for His Resignation
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has publicly addressed former President Donald Trump’s recent call for his resignation, emphasizing the company’s commitment to U.S. semiconductor leadership amid escalating political tensions over domestic manufacturing.
Trump’s Criticism on Truth Social
On July 12, 2024, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize Gelsinger’s leadership. He accused Intel of prioritizing overseas chip production in China and Israel over U.S. facilities and demanded Gelsinger’s resignation. Trump wrote, “Intel’s CEO should be fired immediately for betraying American workers. Bring jobs BACK to America!”
Gelsinger’s Defense of Intel’s Strategy
In a press conference the following day, Gelsinger defended Intel’s global operations while underscoring its U.S. investments. He highlighted the company’s ongoing $20 billion project to build semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) in Ohio and expansions in Arizona and New Mexico. “Over 80% of our manufacturing capacity remains in the U.S.,” Gelsinger stated. “Global partnerships are critical, but our roots are American.”
- $20 billion Ohio project: Set to become one of the world’s largest chipmaking hubs by 2025.
- Arizona fabs: $30 billion invested since 2020, creating 3,000 high-tech jobs.
- CHIPS Act: Intel is a top beneficiary of the $52 billion legislation to boost domestic semiconductor production.
Political and Industry Reactions
The exchange has intensified debates over U.S. tech policy. The Biden administration reaffirmed support for Intel’s domestic projects, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo calling the company “a cornerstone of American innovation.” Meanwhile, industry analysts noted that semiconductor supply chains require global collaboration. “No company can operate in isolation,” said TechInsights analyst Dan Hutcheson. “Intel’s overseas fabs serve international customers—that’s business reality.”
Broader Implications for U.S. Tech Policy
Trump’s remarks reflect election-year rhetoric prioritizing onshoring, but they also clash with the semiconductor industry’s complex logistics. Intel’s foreign facilities supply markets like China, which accounts for 27% of its revenue. Gelsinger stressed that reducing reliance on Asian chipmakers—a bipartisan goal—requires both local investment and global sales. “You can’t decouple from the world and expect to lead,” he argued.
As the 2024 election approaches, Intel’s strategy remains under scrutiny. While Trump vows to impose tariffs on companies expanding abroad, the Biden campaign has framed the CHIPS Act as a model for balancing economic and security interests. For now, Gelsinger shows no signs of stepping down, asserting, “My focus is on restoring America’s tech dominance—political noise won’t distract us.”
