Nvidia Corp, according to NVIDIA Newsroom. announced an independent investigation into Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang following reports that he was the target of a foreign intelligence effort involving a Chinese businesswoman.
The board of directors stated that a committee of independent directors, aided by outside counsel, will oversee the probe into the chipmaker’s leader. The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort,
the company said in a statement.
(FT) – The US government believes Nvidia’s chief executive Jensen Huang had a romantic relationship with a Chinese woman who was recruited to spy for China’s main intelligence agency, according to people familiar with the matter.@FT $NVDA https://t.co/R49cFzZ9MX pic.twitter.com/xnwYG1PbQo
Intelligence Agencies Monitored Alice Huang as a Chinese Asset
Reports from The New York Times and the Financial Times indicated that U.S. intelligence agencies monitored Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore-based customer Megaspeed. Authorities determined she acted as a Chinese intelligence asset and maintained a romantic relationship with Nvidia’s chief executive. The two are not related.
Megaspeed purchased approximately $4.8 billion in equipment from the U.S. firm. A memo drafted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio circulated among top policymakers in the Trump administration regarding the intelligence concerns.
President Trump is standing by $NVDA CEO Jensen Huang amid investigation saying “he hasn’t done anything wrong.” He also left door open to bringing Jensen on next week’s Asia trip adding “I don’t know but I’d certainly take him.” pic.twitter.com/c3m8RHZD5S
In a message to employees, Jensen Huang admitted to the extramarital relationship. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,
he wrote.
Lawmakers Seek Answers Regarding National Security Risks
Republican lawmakers including Representatives John Moolenaar, Brian Mast, and Rick Crawford sent a letter inviting Huang to an in-person joint briefing on November 18. It is vital that Congress determines the extent to which U.S. national security has been placed at risk,
the lawmakers stated. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren also called for answers and stricter legislation regarding technology exports to China.
$NVDA just announced an independent board investigation into reports that CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence effort. The board emphasized it has “no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised” while reaffirming its… pic.twitter.com/jc7UfUF1iT
President Donald Trump defended the chief executive when speaking to reporters on Sunday, calling him a fine person who has done an amazing job for the country.
Nvidia’s board stated that while it has no reason to believe national security or company secrets were compromised, the inquiry will examine all available information. A company spokesperson maintained that the chief executive will continue leading Nvidia without interruption.
“.. I was unfaithful to my wife,” he said. “My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.”@business $NVDA https://t.co/E4hg6GuYnm pic.twitter.com/FWTB2MdaaX
I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security,
Huang said in his statement to staff.
My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to Nvidia and will work to earn back your confidence.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia
The company’s independent committee will continue its oversight alongside outside counsel while congressional committees prepare for briefings.
Nvidia’s chief executive was born in Taipei in 1963 to Taiwanese immigrants, spending his early years in his parents’ homeland before moving to the United States to study in Kentucky. He has led the tech giant as its president and chief executive officer since founding the corporation in 1993.
Over the years, the chief executive has lobbied the executive branch and federal officials regarding trade policies and export limitations governing advanced semiconductor technology. Prior to the unfolding events, regulatory bodies and members of Congress had already scrutinized the company’s export practices concerning graphics processing units distributed to overseas markets, including regions across Asia.
The independent directors overseeing the review committee operate with the full backing of executive leadership, while external legal counsel assists in gathering documentation related to the inquiry. The unfolding situation has drawn commentary from various financial strategists regarding market sentiment, shareholder value, and potential impacts on equity pricing.
Federal oversight committees continue to examine foreign adversary espionage risks, with lawmakers pressing for comprehensive disclosures regarding corporate security protocols. As the inquiry progresses under the direction of the independent committee, Nvidia representatives maintain that regular updates will be communicated to shareholders and the public as appropriate.
The board remains focused on maintaining stability as the investigation into the company’s leadership continues.
Earlier coverage: US Officials Probe Alleged Chinese Espionage Targeting Nvidia CEO