Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang tells Trump he was unaware of Alice Huang's spy status

Jensen Huang told President Donald Trump during a phone conversation on Monday that he did not know he was involved with an alleged Chinese government agent. The statement came one day after Nvidia announced that its board of directors had launched an independent investigation into the CEO.

The New York Times reported late last month that Huang, who leads the world's largest computer chip manufacturer, was the target of a Chinese espionage plot. The report identified the alleged agent as Alice Huang, a top executive at the Singapore-based data company Megaspeed. U.S. intelligence officials determined she had developed a close relationship with the Nvidia chief and was funneling information to Beijing.

During a press briefing on Monday, President Trump detailed his exchange with the Nvidia executive. The president said he asked Huang if he had any idea that the woman in question was a spy. Huang replied that he had absolutely no idea, and Trump said he believed the CEO’s account.

Trump stated that he is aware the FBI is looking into the matter. He suggested that Huang will be in good shape regarding the investigation, though the president did not provide specific details about the federal inquiry or when he was first briefed on the issue.

On Sunday, Nvidia issued a statement confirming that a committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, would oversee the review. The company said the board had no reason to believe national security or company secrets were compromised, but the inquiry would examine all available information. Nvidia emphasized that the board prioritizes U.S. national and economic security.

In an internal message shared with employees on Sunday, Huang acknowledged that he was unfaithful to his wife. He stated that his actions hurt his wife and children and that he was deeply sorry. The message did not name Alice Huang or any other individual. Huang told staff, partners, and shareholders that he was fully committed to Nvidia and would work to earn back their confidence.

A lawsuit seeking class action status was filed in federal court on Monday against Nvidia and Jensen Huang. The complaint, filed on behalf of an Nvidia shareholder, alleges that the company made false and misleading statements regarding the CEO's interactions with Alice Huang. The Chinese government has denied the allegations, calling them baseless smears against China.

Congressional Republicans on the Select Committee on China sent a letter to Huang requesting a closed-door briefing on November 18. The letter cited national security concerns regarding China's access to sensitive U.S. technology. It is not known if Huang will appear before the committee. An Nvidia spokesperson said the company will not slow down and that Huang is committed to continuing to lead the firm without interruption.