Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said he has “always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards” following calls for his resignation by President Donald Trump.

On Thursday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “The CEO of Intel is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem.”

The controversy arose after Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel Chairman Frank Yeary raising concerns about Tan’s investments and connections to semiconductor companies reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. Cotton asked whether Tan had divested from these interests to avoid conflicts.

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It was not clear on Thursday if Tan, who became Intel’s CEO in March, had taken steps to divest.

The economic and political rivalry between the U.S. and China increasingly centers on semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies critical to future economies and security.

Intel said in a statement that it is “deeply committed to advancing U.S. national and economic security interests” and making significant investments aligned with President Trump’s America First agenda.

Tan addressed the issue in a message to employees, dismissing misinformation about his past roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems, and reaffirmed his adherence to proper standards.

He added that Intel is in contact with the Trump administration to address concerns and provide accurate information. “I fully share the President’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security. I appreciate his leadership to advance these priorities, and I’m proud to lead a company central to these goals,” Tan said.

Intel’s stock saw a slight rise in premarket trading Friday.