Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: Trump Says He Should Stay as Markets Open
President Donald Trump said Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is a "fine person" who should keep his job after Huang admitted an affair with a suspected Chinese spy. Nvidia's board is investigating whether he was targeted by a foreign intelligence agency.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, November 8, that Nvidia Corp. chief executive Jensen Huang should stay in his job, as US markets open with the tech giant under scrutiny. Huang admitted having an affair with a suspected Chinese spy.
Trump spoke to reporters before returning to Washington. "I have not spoken to him about it," he said. "I just know he's a fine person, but you never know what is going on."
Board investigation under way
Nvidia said its board would begin an investigation into whether Huang was a target of a foreign intelligence agency. The company has not said how long the review will take.
Reporters asked Trump whether Huang should remain as CEO. "I think so. Oh yeah, sure," he answered.
Trump added: "I haven't heard he's done anything wrong."
What US officials told the administration
US intelligence officials had earlier told the Trump administration that a woman who had become close to Huang was working for a Chinese spy agency. According to reports on Friday, the agency recruited her to collect information on him.
A further report on Sunday said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had overseen the production of a secret memo on US concerns. The contents of that memo have not been made public.
Asia trip
Trump was asked whether he plans to take Huang on his trip to Asia later this month. He said he does not know, but that he would take him along.
Nvidia is one of the largest companies in artificial intelligence, and its leadership is closely watched by investors. The affair has become part of a wider US-China dispute over spying and technology.
The investigation by Nvidia's board is the next step to watch. The company has not said whether Huang will step back from any duties while it runs.
