Trump Says ‘I Know The FBI Is Looking Into It’ as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Faces Scrutiny Over Suspected Chinese Spy Allegations
President Donald Trump said the FBI was examining allegations involving Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, while publicly defending the chipmaker’s founder after speaking with him.
Trump Says Huang Denied Knowing Alleged Spy
"I really believe him," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday, November 9, after Huang reportedly denied knowing the woman was a suspected spy. "I know the FBI is looking into it," Trump added, predicting that Huang would be "in good shape."
The President said he was "amazed" by the allegations. Huang told the president he did not know the woman was a spy, according to Trump’s account. Trump did not say Huang personally faced a criminal investigation.
The remarks followed an October investigation by The New York Times linking Huang to Alice Huang, an unrelated former executive at Singapore-based Nvidia customer Megaspeed. The newspaper reported that U.S. authorities had identified her as a suspected Chinese intelligence asset. Nvidia, over the weekend, subsequently launched an independent investigation into whether foreign intelligence operatives had targeted its CEO.
Nvidia Board Opens Independent Espionage Investigation
In a Nov. 8 statement, Nvidia said independent directors and outside counsel would investigate reports that foreign intelligence had targeted Huang. The board said it had "no reason to believe" company secrets or national security were compromised and reaffirmed confidence in Huang.
Huang separately acknowledged marital infidelity in an employee message, writing, "I take full responsibility for what I did." He pledged to cooperate with the review. The developments followed congressional demands for answers about Nvidia’s alleged dealings with Megaspeed.
Shareholder Lawsuit Adds Pressure On Nvidia
On Monday, shareholders filed a proposed class action accusing Nvidia and Huang of misleading investors about the relationship. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, although its allegations remain unproven.
Nvidia shares fell about 4.3% Monday, wiping approximately $190 billion from its market capitalization. The controversy has also intensified scrutiny of potential Chinese access to restricted AI chips, with Republican lawmakers requesting a Nov. 18 briefing from Huang.
Price Action: NVDA shares dipped about 0.26% to $178.21 in pre-market trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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