Here's What Trump Said About The FBI Probing NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang
United States President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy surrounding NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, confirming that the FBI is investigating allegations involving the chipmaker's chief executive and a woman suspected of working for Chinese intelligence. However, Trump doesn't appear particularly worried about Huang's involvement, based on remarks he made about the matter to the press.
Trump's comments come after Jensen admitted to having an affair in a public letter to NVIDIA's employees. The woman he had an affair with, Alice Huang (no relation to Jensen), is suspected of being a Chinese spy, raising concerns the CEO may have been the target of a foreign spy campaign.
"I owe my family and all of you an apology. 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," Jensen stated in his letter.
Revelation of the relationship also prompted a public response by NVIDIA's Board of Directors, which announced it has launched an independent investigation into the matter. The FBI is also investigating the situation.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump acknowledged the FBI's involvement while suggesting he doesn't expect the investigation to spell trouble for Huang.
"I know the FBI is looking into it in terms of something else, and I think that he’ll be in good shape,” Trump said at a White House briefing, according to the Associated Press.
Trump also revealed that he spoke directly with Jensen "just to see if he's feeling all right." According to Trump's remarks, Jensen told the president "he had absolutely no idea that the person in question was a spy," per AP reporting.
It's obviously a sensitive situation with major implications, depending on what unfolds. NVIDIA makes some of the most advanced AI hardware and full-stack platforms in the world. Chip export bans have attempted to prevent China from getting its hands on the most cutting-edge chips, though reports of smuggling and now a potentially deep-cover spy campaign have raised alarm bells.
Naturally, China is pushing back against the allegations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed claims of a Chinese intelligence operation targeting Huang as unsubstantiated, characterizing them as an attempt to smear the country.
Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, although he stopped short of committing to raising the Huang controversy during their discussions.
"No, I don’t think so," Trump said about the possibility of broaching the subject during the meeting. "I mean, maybe. I’m sure President Xi will ask me about it. I just know Jensen very well. I just think he’s a very honorable man."
