Nvidia launches independent probe after report links CEO to Chinese intelligence asset
Nvidia announced a board-led investigation into whether CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by foreign intelligence, following a New York Times report and his admission of an extramarital affair.
Nvidia said on Sunday that its board has commissioned an independent investigation after media reports alleged founder and chief executive Jensen Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence effort. A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside counsel, will oversee the review, which will examine all available information. The company added that it sees no evidence that U.S. national security or Nvidia trade secrets were compromised.
Huang sent an internal message acknowledging an affair, taking full responsibility and apologising to his family. He affirmed his commitment to lead Nvidia without interruption and pledged to cooperate fully with the board’s review.
Top Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have written to Huang, requesting a briefing before Congress this month. In a letter dated Nov. 4, the lawmakers said the New York Times story raises “significant national security concerns regarding China’s access to sensitive U.S. technology and information” and urged Congress to assess any risk to national security.
"Huang is an honourable guy and has contributed a great deal to the United States," President Donald Trump said on Sunday, adding that he had not spoken with the CEO about the allegations.
Analysts noted that the investigation could add uncertainty to Nvidia’s stock, which has already retreated after broader market concerns about the sustainability of the artificial-intelligence sector. Dan Ives, partner at Yorkville Ives & Co., said the probe could create additional risk for the company and increase scrutiny of its chip sales to China.
Nvidia reiterated that its executives regularly interact with customers worldwide, but that such engagements involve ordinary business information rather than sensitive trade secrets or classified data.