United States Republican Senator Tom Cotton has raised national security concerns over Intel’s newly appointed CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, citing his past leadership at Cadence Design Systems and extensive investment ties to Chinese firms, including those allegedly linked to the Chinese military.

In a letter sent Wednesday to Intel Board Chair Frank Yeary, Senator Cotton questioned whether the board was aware of criminal investigations into Cadence Design Systems while Tan was CEO. Cotton referred to subpoenas reportedly issued during Tan’s tenure and asked what measures Intel took to address the potential security implications before hiring him.

“I write to express concern about the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and its potential impact on U.S. national security,” Cotton stated in the letter.

The senator also pressed Intel’s board to clarify whether Tan was required to divest from Chinese chip firms with military or government ties, and whether he fully disclosed his financial interests in those companies—especially given Intel’s participation in the Biden administration’s Secure Enclave program, which provides federal funding to ensure a trusted U.S. microelectronics supply chain for defense.

Cotton emphasized the responsibility Intel bears as a recipient of taxpayer funds under the initiative, writing: “Mr. Tan’s associations raise questions about Intel’s ability to fulfill these obligations.”

Intel responded to the letter in a statement, saying both the company and its CEO “are deeply committed to the national security of the United States and the integrity of our role in the U.S. defense ecosystem.” The company added that it would address the senator’s inquiries directly.

The scrutiny follows an April Reuters investigation, which reported that Tan—either personally or through venture funds he founded—invested over $200 million in hundreds of Chinese technology and semiconductor companies between 2012 and 2024. Some of these firms were reportedly linked to Chinese military interests. A source at the time claimed Tan had divested from these positions, though Reuters noted that many investments still appeared active in Chinese public databases.

Cotton cited the Reuters report in his letter and highlighted a separate recent development involving Cadence Design Systems. Just last week, Cadence agreed to plead guilty and pay more than \$140 million to settle charges related to illegally selling chip design software to a Chinese military university suspected of conducting nuclear weapons simulations. The violations occurred during Tan’s tenure as CEO (2008–2021), and while he remained executive chairman until May 2023.

Although U.S. law does not prohibit investment in Chinese companies unless they are listed on the U.S. Treasury’s Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, the episode has reignited bipartisan concerns about American tech executives’ entanglements with Chinese industry—especially when they hold sensitive roles tied to U.S. defense.

Intel, one of the country’s leading chipmakers, is seen as a key player in national security strategy as the U.S. government seeks to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor supply chains.