Trump says FBI is investigating Nvidia CEO's ties to suspected Chinese spy
US President Donald Trump said the FBI is investigating Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's relationship with a woman suspected of working for Chinese intelligence, as the controversy raises questions about national security and the future of one of the world's most influential technology companies.
"I know the FBI is looking into it," Trump told reporters at the White House on Nov. 9, according to Reuters and the BBC.
The president said he had spoken with Huang, who told him he had not known about the woman's alleged intelligence connections.
"I asked him that question, 'Did you have any idea she was a spy?' He said, 'I had no idea she was a spy,' and I really believe him," Trump said.
He described Huang as an honorable person and expressed confidence that the Nvidia chief would emerge from the investigations in good standing.
The FBI declined to comment when contacted by the BBC.
The woman, identified as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, is a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed, a company that has had business dealings with Nvidia. She is not related to Jensen Huang.
According to the New York Times, US intelligence officials believe Alice Huang was working for China's Ministry of State Security. Beijing has rejected the allegations as groundless and an attempt to smear China.
Jensen Huang has acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologized for hurting her and their children. He has not publicly disclosed details of the relationship.
Nvidia's board announced an independent investigation into whether its CEO had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The company said it had no reason to believe its corporate secrets or US national security had been compromised.
The revelations have also shaken investors. Nvidia shares fell more than 4% on Nov. 9, wiping approximately $250 billion off the company's market value, according to the BBC.
Shareholders filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Huang and Nvidia on Monday, accusing them of concealing his ties to the suspected Chinese intelligence operative. The allegations in the lawsuit have not been established in court.
The controversy has reached Congress, where lawmakers are seeking answers about Nvidia's security procedures and the company's dealings with China.
Huang has been asked to attend a closed-door briefing with several congressional committees next week, although it remains unclear whether he will appear.
Nvidia's advanced AI chips are at the center of US-China technological competition. Washington has restricted exports of some of the company's most powerful processors over concerns that they could strengthen China's military and surveillance capabilities.
The Trump administration eased restrictions on sales of Nvidia's H200 chips to Chinese customers under certain conditions in January, while its most advanced processors remain subject to export controls.
Nvidia's board has expressed confidence in Huang, and most analysts cited by Reuters do not expect him to step down.