From Ars Technica · · 2m
Nvidia CEO admits affair as China spy probe opens
Jensen Huang confesses to infidelity after US intelligence links him to a woman recruited by Chinese spies, triggering a board investigation into national security risks.
In brief
Jensen Huang confesses to infidelity after US intelligence links him to a woman recruited by Chinese spies, triggering a board investigation into national security risks. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admitted an affair with a woman US intelligence believes was recruited as a Chinese spy, prompting the board to investigate…
Huang admits affair after spy report
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confessed to infidelity in an internal message to employees on Sunday, two days after the Financial Times reported his alleged romantic relationship with a woman US intelligence believes was a Chinese…
“I owe my family and all of you an apology. I was unfaithful to my wife.”
The woman at the centre
US intelligence believed Huang had a romantic relationship with Alice Huang, an executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based customer of Nvidia.
Nvidia launches independent investigation
Nvidia's board announced an independent investigation into whether Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence effort. The company said it had no reason to believe national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised.
“The board prioritizes US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of Nvidia and its shareholders.”
Huang's rise and influence
Huang co-founded Nvidia in nineteen ninety-three and transformed it into the first five trillion dollar company. He has become the face of the AI boom and one of technology's loudest champions.
Close ties to Trump
Huang developed a close relationship with Trump after the president called him on his birthday. He became one of Trump's favorite executives, accompanying him on state visits including to China and the UK.
Lobbying for China chip sales
Huang repeatedly lobbied Trump to allow Nvidia to ship AI chips to China after export controls cut the company off from the market in twenty twenty-five.
Trump defends Huang despite concerns
When asked about the affair on Sunday, Trump said Huang had done an amazing job for the US and called him an honorable guy. He said he did not regret not acting on the intelligence.
“I think he's an honorable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it.”
Congress demands testimony
John Moolenaar, Republican head of the House China committee, said it was vital that Huang address national security concerns in Congress related to China's access to sensitive technology and information.
“It is vital that Jensen Huang address our national security concerns in Congress related to China's access to sensitive technology and information.”
Stock falls as scandal unfolds
Nvidia's Frankfurt-listed shares fell more than six percent in early trading on Monday. The affair comes at a critical time as the AI sector faces political backlash and investor concerns over spending.
The takeaway
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admitted an affair with a woman US intelligence believes was recruited as a Chinese spy, prompting the board to investigate potential national security breaches.
