Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Faces Calls for Dismissal Over Nvidia Spy Scandal
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U.S. officials are pressing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to resign after delays in blacklisting a Singapore firm linked to an alleged Chinese spy and after a report on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s ties to the spy surfaced.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is under increasing pressure from members of Congress after a U.S. intelligence report highlighted alleged ties between Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, Alice Huang. The report was circulated among senior officials in the Trump administration, and Lutnick is scheduled to testify before Congress alongside the ousted Nvidia chief.
Critics, including Republican Senator John Curtis, have questioned the Commerce Department’s handling of export-control measures, citing a delay in adding Singapore-based Megaspeed – a company linked to Alice Huang that has purchased billions of dollars of Nvidia chips – to the U.S. blacklist. Senator John Cornyn called for a thorough investigation, while Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the administration must explain its response after learning of the alleged relationship.
Lutnick’s office confirmed that the secretary will appear voluntarily before the Senate banking committee, according to spokesperson Kristen Eichamer. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has requested a classified briefing for all members of Congress, and Senate banking committee chair Tim Scott has sent letters asking both Lutnick and Jensen Huang to testify.
Nvidia announced Huang’s resignation on Thursday, naming CFO Colette Kress as interim chief executive. The company’s board statement praised Huang’s contributions but did not address the espionage allegations. Reports indicate that Huang had personal relationships with Alice Huang and other Nvidia employees.
Congressional leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House foreign-affairs chair Brian Mast, have expressed a growing consensus to tighten chip export controls to China, citing national-security concerns. Several bills aimed at restricting chip exports are being advanced in the House.
The scandal has also drawn attention in China, where social-media activity surged following the news of Huang’s departure.