Nvidia investigates CEO's affair amid allegations of Chinese espionage

Huang acknowledged having an extramarital affair and apologized to his wife and children, while the company's board said it had no reason to believe Nvidia's secrets or US national security had been compromised, the BBC reported on November 9.

"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry," Huang said in a statement.

He also said he took full responsibility for his actions and would cooperate with the board's investigation.

The inquiry follows reports that US intelligence agencies suspected Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, of working on behalf of Beijing.

According to the New York Times, intelligence officials had monitored Alice Huang and identified communications between her and an American citizen who was subsequently identified as Jensen Huang.

The newspaper reported that US officials believed Alice Huang was acting on behalf of China's Ministry of State Security, the country's main civilian intelligence agency.

It remains unclear what information, if any, she allegedly provided to Beijing or whether she obtained access to sensitive Nvidia technology.

Alice Huang, who is not related to Jensen Huang, has been linked to Singapore-based data center company Megaspeed.

The company's leadership previously said it was taking the allegations seriously and had appointed external legal advisers to conduct its own investigation.

Nvidia's board said it had opened an independent inquiry following reports that its founder and CEO had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

"While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised, the Board's inquiry will examine all available information," the company said.

Huang said he supported the investigation and remained committed to protecting Nvidia and US national security.

China has rejected the espionage allegations, describing them as "groundless speculation" intended to discredit the country.

Trump defends Nvidia chief

US President Donald Trump said he had not spoken to Jensen Huang since news of the investigation emerged.

"I just know he's a fine person, but you never know what's going on," Trump told reporters, adding that Huang had done "an amazing job for our country."

Asked whether he regretted not acting on intelligence reportedly presented to him last year, Trump said he did not.

"I think he's an honourable guy," the president said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on the allegations, citing their sensitive nature.

According to the New York Times, Rubio oversaw the drafting of a memorandum last spring warning the administration about Huang's relationship with the Chinese businesswoman.

Meanwhile, three Republican House committee leaders have asked Huang to appear before Congress later this month to discuss Nvidia's safeguards against foreign espionage.

The lawmakers said the reports raised concerns about potential Chinese access to sensitive US technology.

Why Nvidia matters

Nvidia is one of the world's most valuable companies, with a market capitalization of approximately $4.5 trillion.

Its advanced processors are central to the development of artificial intelligence systems, making the company a major player in the technological rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

The United States has imposed export restrictions on advanced AI chips over concerns that they could strengthen China's technological and military capabilities.

In January, the Trump administration announced that Nvidia would be allowed to sell its H200 chips to Chinese customers under certain conditions.

Huang, who co-founded Nvidia and has led it for more than three decades, has said he intends to remain CEO.

The company's board has not announced a timetable for completing its investigation.