Spy scandal links Nvidia to Illinois campuses
Federal officials say the Chinese intelligence operation targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang raises security concerns for university research partners.
By Andrew Hayes ·
A woman identified as a Chinese government spy was romantically involved with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for at least two and a half years.
NBC News reported the finding on Tuesday, noting that the allegations have prompted scrutiny from the FBI, congressional intelligence committees, and Nvidia's board of directors. The company has become a central figure in American artificial intelligence development, with technologies used in defense and national security applications.
President Donald Trump stated he personally asked Huang if he knew the woman was a spy. Trump said Huang replied he had absolutely no idea and added that he really believes the CEO.
The situation draws attention to Nvidia's growing relationship with higher education institutions in Illinois. The tech company has expanded recruiting, internship, and partnership activities at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois.
Jake Braun, former deputy national cyber director in the Biden administration, told NBC 5 Investigates that the case highlights vulnerabilities in America's technology sector. Braun noted that the Department of Homeland Security previously ran programs to warn leaders in critical industries that they were targets of foreign intelligence.
Braun emphasized that students and professors working on technology research are also targets. He stated that these individuals need to know that Nvidia is not the only entity of interest to Chinese intelligence services.
University of Chicago officials declined to comment on the allegations. The University of Illinois and Northwestern University did not respond to requests for comment before publication.
