US President Donald Trump has expressed surprise over allegations involving Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang and a Chinese businesswoman suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on November 9, Trump said he had spoken with Huang, who told him that he had no idea the woman was allegedly a spy. Trump said he believed Huang's explanation and expressed hope that the Nvidia chief would emerge from the controversy in good shape.
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Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Donald Trump said he was amazed by the allegations involving Jensen Huang.
Trump said Huang denied knowing that the woman was allegedly a spy.
The FBI is looking into the matter, according to Trump.
Jensen Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife but did not identify the person involved.
Nvidia's board launched an independent investigation.
Nvidia said it had no reason to believe company secrets or national security information had been compromised. Nvidia shares fell more than 4 per cent on November 9.
Trump also confirmed that the FBI was looking into the matter but did not provide further details about the investigation.
The controversy follows reports linking Huang to Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman and former executive of Singapore-based technology company Megaspeed International. US intelligence officials reportedly believe she had shared information with Beijing. These allegations have not been established through a public legal finding.
Jensen Huang acknowledged in a message to Nvidia employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife. He apologised to his family and colleagues but did not identify the person involved in the relationship.
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Why This Matters
Nvidia is a major supplier of advanced chips used in artificial intelligence systems worldwide. Allegations involving its chief executive and a suspected foreign intelligence operation have brought attention to corporate security, semiconductor technology protection and the wider strategic competition between the United States and China.
Nvidia's board announced an independent investigation into reports that its chief executive may have been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The company said its board had no reason to believe that Nvidia's confidential information or national security information had been compromised.
Nvidia shares closed more than 4 per cent lower on November 9, reaching a seven-month low amid the developments.
China rejected the espionage allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the claims as groundless accusations and an attempt to smear China.
The controversy has raised questions about corporate security and the protection of advanced artificial intelligence technology, given Nvidia's central role in the global AI industry.
