Washington: Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chip manufacturer, has admitted to an affair with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang and apologized to his wife and children. Huang was suspected of working for Beijing as part of a foreign intelligence operation. Huang, 63, admitted his actions were unforgivable. Meanwhile, Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into the matter.
In a message to company employees, Huang said, “There is no excuse for what I did. I deeply regret it.” He acknowledged that he failed to fulfill his responsibilities to Nvidia’s employees, board, and shareholders. He promised to take responsibility for the entire matter and regain public trust.
The company’s board has launched an investigation under the supervision of a committee of independent directors. The investigation is also being assisted by external legal counsel. Huang has agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Nvidia stated that its board currently has no reason to believe that US national security or company secrets have been compromised. However, all available information will be examined during the investigation. The company has stated that protecting US national and economic security is its priority.
How did the controversy surrounding the Chinese espionage allegations begin?
This controversy emerged following a report in The New York Times. According to the report, US intelligence officials suspected that Alice Huang was working as an intelligence agent for China. Alice has no family connection to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
Alice Huang was previously associated with Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data center company. This company has been suspected of helping China gain access to advanced AI chips, the export of which is banned by the US.
According to the report, US President Donald Trump was informed last year, based on intelligence, that Alice Huang may be spying for China.
Following this incident, US lawmakers have also demanded answers from Nvidia’s CEO. Senior Republican members of the US House of Representatives, citing national security concerns, have asked Huang to testify before Congress this month.
In a letter sent on November 4, the lawmakers stated that they want to know whether US national security has been compromised and whether China has gained access to sensitive US technology or information.
Nvidia has defended itself by stating that its CEO meets with executives from thousands of client companies every year. The company’s cloud customers in Asia are only provided with general business information, not confidential trade secrets or sensitive information related to national security.
Jensen Huang will remain CEO during the investigation
Nvidia’s board of directors has confirmed that the company has initiated an investigation into reports claiming that Jensen Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence operation.
The board reiterated that it has not yet found any indication that national security or Nvidia’s confidential secrets have been compromised. However, all available facts will be investigated. Huang has also pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Jensen Huang will remain Nvidia’s CEO until the investigation is complete.
Trump defends Nvidia CEO
Despite these allegations, US President Donald Trump has supported Jensen Huang. He stated that he has not spoken to the Nvidia chief since the investigation began.
Trump told reporters, “All I know is that he’s a good man, but you never know what’s going on behind the scenes.” He praised Huang, saying he has done a great job for America.
When Trump was asked if he regretted not acting on the intelligence received last year, he said that he considered Huang a respectable person.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on the matter when asked about it on Sunday evening.
China, on the other hand, has previously dismissed allegations of a spying campaign targeting the Nvidia CEO, calling these claims baseless speculation.