Trump’s demand follows reports that Gelsinger recently met with Chinese officials to discuss regulatory matters and factory operations, a move Trump interpreted as capitulation to a strategic rival. “We should not be allowing the head of a major U.S. chipmaker to cozy up to China while we’re trying to build a secure and independent supply chain,” he posted.

Gelsinger has previously defended Intel’s global strategy, which includes maintaining some operations in China while investing heavily in new semiconductor plants in the United States and Europe. However, Trump dismissed these efforts as insufficient and accused the company of lobbying against export controls on advanced chip technologies.

While declining to address Trump’s remarks directly, Intel released a statement reaffirming its commitment to U.S. technological leadership and supply chain resilience. The company cited its ongoing investment in facilities in Ohio, Arizona, and Germany, calling these projects essential to securing next-generation semiconductor production.

Intel also emphasized its cooperation with the U.S. government on export regulations and its compliance with all federal policies related to national security.