4 hours agoTrump calls Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ‘honorable guy’ amid Chinese spy affair investigation
President Donald Trump defended Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Sunday after the tech executive admitted to an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of spying for China, prompting the artificial intelligence chip giant to launch an independent investigation.
“I think he’s an honorable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it. He’s done an amazing job for our country,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he regretted not acting on intelligence about the alleged spying.
Trump also praised Huang’s leadership, saying, “I hope everything’s fine then. He’s done such an incredible job.”
Asked whether Huang would accompany him on an upcoming trip to Asia, Trump said, “I don’t know, but I’d certainly take him.”
Trump added: “I haven’t heard he’s done anything wrong. He dealt with somebody but, you know, so does everybody else.”
The president’s remarks came as Nvidia’s board of directors announced an independent investigation into reports that Huang had been the “target of a foreign intelligence effort.”
The New York Times reported last month that U.S. intelligence officials determined Huang had developed a relationship with Alice Huang, a Chinese citizen and business executive who was allegedly providing information to Beijing. The two are not related.
In a letter to Nvidia employees Sunday, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologized to his family, colleagues and shareholders.
“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 wrote.
Addressing the national security concerns, Huang said he supported the board’s investigation and would cooperate fully.
“I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America’s national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American,” he wrote.
Nvidia’s board said it had “no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised,” but pledged to examine all available information.
Huang will remain at the helm of the world’s most valuable company during the investigation.
“Today’s news will not slow NVIDIA. Jensen is committed to continuing to lead NVIDIA as CEO without interruption,” a company spokesperson said.