WSJ Tech News Briefing: Intel’s CEO Already at Odds With Board
Episode Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Introduction

In the August 8th episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing, host Julie Chang delves into high-stakes tensions within Intel, the strategic maneuvers of China's semiconductor giant SMIC, and significant developments at Meta Platforms. This episode provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of leadership conflicts, international trade impacts, legal settlements, and advancements in artificial intelligence within the tech industry.

Intel’s Leadership Conflict

Clash Over Strategic Direction

Julie Chang opens the discussion with exclusive insights revealing that Intel CEO, Leap Bootan, is experiencing significant friction with the company’s board. According to sources familiar with the matter, the discord centers around Intel's future in the semiconductor manufacturing sector.

“Intel CEO Leap Bootan has been at odds with his board over the company's strategy in his first few months leading the tech giant,” Chang reports (00:16).

The core of the disagreement lies in whether Intel should continue its investments in manufacturing or pivot away from it entirely. This strategic impasse highlights the broader challenges faced by legacy semiconductor companies in adapting to rapidly evolving market dynamics and competition.

Political Interference and Allegations

The situation escalated when former President Donald Trump publicly called for Bootan’s removal, alleging that his leadership is compromised due to business ties with China.

“President Trump unexpectedly called for Tan's ouster, claiming the CEO is conflicted by business ties to China,” Chang states (00:16).

In response, Intel issued a statement affirming that both the board and the management team remain unified in their strategic vision, effectively downplaying any influence external political figures may have on the company’s internal affairs.

“In a statement to the Journal, Intel said its board and management team are aligned on the company's strategy,” Chang notes (00:16).

SMIC’s Performance Amid U.S. Tariffs

Navigating Trade Challenges

Shifting focus to the semiconductor industry in China, Chang discusses the performance of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), the country's largest chipmaker. The company has been navigating the complexities of U.S. trade tariffs aimed at curbing China's technological advancements.

“SMIC... stated that U.S. tariffs should continue to have a limited impact since domestic demand is increasing sharply and overseas clients are better prepared for the headwinds,” Chang explains (00:16).

Market Revenue Breakdown and Financial Health

SMIC's revenue distribution highlights a heavy reliance on the domestic market, which accounted for 84% of its revenue in the second quarter. In contrast, the U.S. market contributed just under 13%, a decrease from 16% the previous year. Despite this strong domestic performance, SMIC reported a nearly 20% decline in net profit, primarily due to production fluctuations.

“SMIC reported an almost 20% decline in net profit due to production fluctuations,” Chang states (00:16).

The company's stock market performance reflects these financial challenges, with shares dipping nearly 8%, indicating investor concerns over SMIC's ability to sustain profitability amidst ongoing production issues.

Meta Platforms: Legal Settlements and AI Developments

Defamation Lawsuit Settlement

In the realm of social media and artificial intelligence, Meta Platforms reached a settlement with conservative activist Robbie Starbuck over a defamation lawsuit. Starbuck had alleged that Meta’s AI chatbot inaccurately linked him to the January 6 Capitol riot.

“Starbuck alleged the company's artificial intelligence chatbot falsely asserted he participated in the January 6 Capitol riot,” Chang reports (00:16).

Under the settlement terms, Starbuck will provide advisory services to Meta aimed at eliminating political bias from its AI tools, highlighting the growing importance of ethical considerations in AI development.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

Meta is also making strides in the field of AI with the establishment of a new team focused on building machine superintelligence, now named TBD Lab. This group is at the forefront of developing the latest version of Meta's Llama language model, a testament to the company's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

“Meta’s new team devoted to building machine superintelligence is now called TBD Lab,” Chang mentions (00:16).

The rebranding to TBD Lab signifies a strategic pivot towards more ambitious AI projects, positioning Meta as a key player in the ongoing race to develop sophisticated language models and superintelligent systems.

Conclusion

The August 8th episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing provides a comprehensive overview of pivotal developments in the tech industry. From internal power struggles at Intel and the impact of international trade on SMIC, to Meta Platforms' legal and AI advancements, the episode underscores the intricate interplay between corporate strategy, political influences, and technological innovation. Julie Chang effectively navigates these complex topics, offering listeners valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of the tech landscape.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative content discussed in the episode.