Nvidia’s former chief executive Jensen Huang has agreed to testify before three House committees following his resignation amid reports of an affair with a woman suspected of spying for China.
Huang stepped down as CEO and board member on November 12 after allegations surfaced that he had an affair with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based tech firm Megaspeed. U.S. authorities suspect Alice Huang of being a Chinese intelligence asset. Nvidia announced that Colette Kress, the company’s chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Huang’s resignation comes after lawmakers from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on China, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence requested his testimony. The committees sought answers regarding Nvidia’s security protocols and Huang’s reported interactions with a suspected foreign intelligence operative. Huang had initially been given a deadline of November 6 to respond but formally agreed to testify after his resignation.
Congressional Response and Timeline
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast confirmed that Huang’s testimony is expected to occur before the Thanksgiving holiday, though no specific date has been finalized. The hearing will likely be conducted in a closed-door session, with Mast stating that it would be recorded and transcribed. The committees have emphasized that Huang’s resignation does not alter their demand for answers, with Mast noting that the former CEO’s willingness to testify remains unchanged.
Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, reiterated the committees’ concerns, stating that the investigation aims to determine whether U.S. national security was compromised through potential espionage or unauthorized access to sensitive technology. Moolenaar added that if Huang does not appear voluntarily, the committees are prepared to issue a subpoena to compel his testimony. The committees have also requested additional information from Nvidia regarding its dealings with Megaspeed, a company that has faced scrutiny over its access to advanced semiconductor technology.
Trump’s Statements and Industry Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly defended Huang following the allegations, stating that he had spoken with the former CEO and believed Huang was unaware that Alice Huang was allegedly a spy. Trump described Huang as one of his closest allies in Silicon Valley and praised his leadership at Nvidia. In a separate statement on November 12, Trump suggested that Tim Cook, Apple’s former CEO, should replace Huang as Nvidia’s CEO, calling both men "legends." Cook, who stepped down from Apple in September, has not commented on the proposal.
The scandal has drawn reactions from other tech industry figures. Elon Musk publicly offered to hire Huang after his resignation, though no further details about the offer have been disclosed. The affair allegations have also raised broader concerns about corporate governance and security protocols within the tech sector, particularly given Nvidia’s central role in the global AI and semiconductor industries.
Nvidia’s Leadership Transition and Ongoing Scrutiny
Nvidia has emphasized that Huang’s resignation was voluntary and that the company remains committed to its strategic priorities. In a statement, the company noted that Kress will continue in her role as CFO while overseeing the interim CEO responsibilities. The board is expected to conduct a search for a permanent successor, with both internal and external candidates under consideration.
The company’s stock price has fluctuated in response to the scandal, reflecting investor concerns about potential regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage. Analysts have noted that Nvidia’s dominance in AI chip manufacturing makes it a critical player in U.S. technology policy, particularly regarding export controls and competition with China.
Broader Implications for U.S.-China Tech Competition
The allegations against Huang have intensified scrutiny of U.S. semiconductor companies’ interactions with Chinese entities. Lawmakers have raised questions about whether sensitive technology, including Nvidia’s advanced AI chips, may have been diverted to China through unauthorized channels. The House committees have indicated that their investigation will examine Nvidia’s compliance with U.S. export controls and its internal safeguards against foreign espionage.
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, a Republican member of Congress, stated that Huang’s resignation was a "good move" and that his testimony could help clarify the extent of any security breaches. Burchett added that he believes Huang has no reason to conceal information, given the seriousness of the allegations.
The committees’ investigation is part of a broader effort by Congress to assess vulnerabilities in U.S. technology supply chains and counter foreign intelligence threats. The outcome of Huang’s testimony and subsequent findings could influence future legislation governing semiconductor exports and corporate accountability in the tech industry.