Nvidia’s board of directors launched an independent investigation after CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged an affair with an executive linked to a Chinese intelligence operation.
The company announced on November 8, 2026, that an independent committee of directors, assisted by outside legal counsel, is overseeing the review. The board stated that the inquiry will examine all available information regarding recent reporting that Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence effort.
Breaking news from @ianmking: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits to extramarital affair and the company board is now investigating him being targeted by a Chinese espionage plot. He remains CEO for now. https://t.co/jGYStYFo0M
While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board’s inquiry will examine all available information,
Nvidia Board
In a message sent to employees, Huang acknowledged the relationship and apologized for his conduct. He stated that he takes full responsibility and pledged his cooperation with the ongoing review.
I support the investigation and will cooperate fully,
Jensen Huang
Huang also expressed his commitment to the United States.
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.
Jensen Huang
In his communication to staff, the 63-year-old co-founder noted that his family bears no responsibility for his choices and requested privacy for them. Huang was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to the United States in 1973 at the age of nine. He has led the company for more than 30 years.
Nvidia
Trailing only Apple, Nvidia stands as the world’s second-most valuable enterprise, commanding a market capitalization of $4.506 trillion. Bloomberg reports that Huang’s net worth reached a high of about $200 billion during the artificial intelligence boom prior to dropping to $155 billion, placing him 10th currently on the global wealth rankings.
The inquiry follows reports that Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based technology company Megaspeed, had been recruited to spy for China. Megaspeed has purchased more than $4.8 billion worth of Nvidia chips over the past two years.
Reporting detailed by NPR outlines Alice Huang’s background as a former television reporter in China before her role at Megaspeed. Times reporter Ana Swanson described her rise on NPR’s technology podcast Machine Gods.
Alice Huang is a Chinese national. She’s a Chinese businesswoman who had something of a mysterious and meteoric rise,
Ana Swanson, Times reporter
Swanson added that Alice Huang ran a Singapore-based company that purchased nearly $5 billion in Nvidia chip technology and was seen personally with Jensen Huang at industry events in Taiwan.
At the same time, she was also seen personally with Jensen Huang on a couple of occasions after some industry events in Taiwan. They were photographed together both at a bar with other suppliers and then also out to dinner with some other executives.
Ana Swanson, Times reporter
Alice Huang
According to reports, American intelligence officials determined that China’s Ministry of State Security enlisted Alice Huang to collect intelligence on Jensen Huang and potentially sway Nvidia’s stance on exporting advanced artificial intelligence processors to China. Federal authorities have scrutinized Megaspeed over suspicions that the firm operated data centers in Southeast Asia and provided computing capacity to Chinese companies, including Alibaba, while serving as a conduit to bypass American export restrictions.
Donald Trump defended Jensen Huang. Trump stated that he considers Huang an honorable person, noting that Huang has performed an amazing job for the country and mentioning openness to taking Huang along on an upcoming trip to Asia.
Meanwhile, three Republican members of Congress sent a letter requesting that Huang brief lawmakers on November 18 regarding his relationship and the company’s security protocols against foreign adversary espionage. The lawmakers asked the CEO to participate in a closed-door briefing.
Donald Trump
Financial analysts warned that the situation creates an overhang for the stock and could provoke multiple congressional inquiries. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, defended the executive and asserted that supporters should back him and his family.
According to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, authorities neither accused Alice Huang of acting as a Chinese intelligence operative nor launched a personal probe against her, though officials verified that investigations concerning Megaspeed remain active.
Earlier coverage: US Officials Probe Alleged Chinese Espionage Targeting Nvidia CEO