Nvidia has launched an investigation into reports that its chief executive, Jensen Huang, was targeted in a foreign intelligence operation involving a Chinese business executive, as the technology giant faces fresh scrutiny over potential national security risks.
The company’s board of directors announced the investigation on Sunday after Huang acknowledged having an intimate relationship with a business executive whom US intelligence agencies reportedly believed was gathering information for Beijing.
According to The New York Times, the executive, identified as Alice Huang, is a Chinese national and semiconductor buyer. The two are not related.
In a letter to Nvidia employees obtained by The Associated Press, the 63-year-old CEO admitted being unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family and colleagues, while taking full responsibility for his actions.
“Leading Nvidia is the privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility,” he wrote.
Nvidia’s board said it had “no reason to believe” that national security or the company’s confidential information had been compromised. However, it would examine all available information as part of its investigation.
The board added that Huang fully supported the review and had agreed to cooperate with the inquiry.
Despite the controversy, Huang will remain in his position as chief executive throughout the investigation.
Nvidia spokesperson John Rizzo said the development would not disrupt the company’s operations.
“Today’s news will not slow Nvidia. Jensen is committed to continuing to lead Nvidia as CEO without interruption,” he said.
The allegations have drawn attention because Nvidia occupies a critical position in the global artificial intelligence race, supplying advanced processors used in data centres and computing systems to develop and operate AI models.
Its high-performance chips have also become a major focus of US export restrictions aimed at preventing China from accessing cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
The New York Times reported last month that US intelligence agencies had identified a close relationship between Huang and Alice Huang, who was allegedly providing information directly to Beijing.
Alice Huang previously worked as a television reporter in China before becoming a senior executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, one of Nvidia’s major customers in Southeast Asia.
According to the newspaper, Megaspeed purchased more than US$4.8 billion worth of Nvidia chips over the past two years.
In his letter, Jensen Huang did not name Alice Huang or directly address her alleged links to Beijing. However, he acknowledged the national security concerns raised in media reports and pledged to protect the company and US interests.
“I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security,” he said.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he had not spoken to Huang about the latest developments but praised the Nvidia chief’s contribution to the country.
“I hope everything’s fine then. He’s done such an incredible job,” Trump told reporters on Sunday before returning to the White House.
Asked whether he regretted not acting on intelligence briefings about the alleged spying, Trump again defended Huang, describing him as an honourable person who had probably had an explanation for the situation.
Trump also said he would be willing to take Huang along on his upcoming trip to Asia.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on the allegations, citing the nature of the intelligence matter and the ongoing corporate investigation.
Nvidia, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, has become the world’s most valuable company, repeatedly exceeding Wall Street’s earnings expectations over the past three years as demand for AI processors surged.
The company reported quarterly profits of US$59.69 billion in August.
