Congress pledges inquiry as Nvidia board examines Huang relationship
Seven Lights
Demands for a congressional inquiry into Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang widened over the weekend, as the chipmaker’s board opened an independent investigation into his reported relationship with a woman United States intelligence officials believe spied for China.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware promised a probe of the reporting and of Mr. Huang’s relationships. “The more I learn about the insane relationship between the Trump Administration, Chinese spies, and AI billionaires, the more I’m convinced there is nothing this administration does that isn’t corrupt. Congress will investigate and get answers,” Mr. Coons wrote on X.
Axios reported that the mere suggestion that Mr. Huang was in some way compromised by a Chinese intelligence agent could quickly become a major, bipartisan focus of the incoming Congress. Analysts quoted by the Los Angeles Times said the episode had tarnished the image of the head of one of the world’s most valuable companies.
Nvidia’s board opened the inquiry on Sunday, and NPR reported that it covers the relationship itself. CBS News said the review followed Mr. Huang’s admission of an extramarital affair as well as the espionage allegations.
The reporting traces to October 29, when the New York Times said Mr. Huang had a close relationship with a technology executive named Alice Huang, that U.S. authorities had concerns about her intelligence connections with China, and that President Trump had been briefed. The Wall Street Journal reported on October 31 that intelligence authorities in the United States, Singapore and Taiwan had reason to believe she might be a Chinese spy.
House committee chairs asked Nvidia for documents this month and set a November 11 deadline for the administration to explain visa and export decisions involving Mr. Huang. Mr. Huang acknowledged an extramarital relationship in a memo to staff. Nvidia and Ms. Huang have denied wrongdoing, and the Chinese government has denied that she spied.
The board’s review carried no announced timetable. Democrats entering the new Congress signaled they would press for briefings and documents.