Trump Defends Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Amid Chinese Spy Scandal

Trump described Huang as an "honourable guy" and expressed confidence in his leadership of the semiconductor and artificial intelligence giant.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had not spoken directly to Huang about the developing controversy but believed the executive had delivered immense value to the United States.

"I have not spoken to him about it. I just know he's a fine person, but you never know what is going on. I'm sure—I hope everything's fine there. He's done such an incredible job, so I would certainly hope... he's a fine person, in my opinion," Trump said.

When asked whether he regretted not taking action earlier after receiving intelligence briefings about the suspected foreign spy network, Trump defended his decision, stressing that individuals should be given an opportunity to explain themselves.

"No, I don't think so. I think, you know, I think he's an honourable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it, you know, and you have to hear it. No, you can't do that with people...He's done an amazing job for our country," Trump said.

Asked whether he expected Huang to remain CEO of Nvidia, Trump responded affirmatively, saying, "I think so. Sure."

Trump's public defence comes shortly after Nvidia's Board of Directors initiated an independent investigation into reports that Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

The controversy follows reports that Huang admitted to having an extramarital relationship with a technology executive identified by US intelligence as a suspected Chinese intelligence asset.

According to the company, the investigation will be overseen by a specialised committee comprising independent directors, assisted by external independent legal counsel.

In a statement, Nvidia said the board was launching an independent investigation in response to recent media reports concerning the alleged foreign intelligence effort targeting its founder and CEO.

The company emphasised that US national and economic security remained its priority, adding that there was currently no indication that national security interests or Nvidia's proprietary information had been compromised.

"The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort. A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation. The Board prioritises U.S. national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders. While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board's inquiry will examine all available information," the statement said.

Nvidia also confirmed that Huang had welcomed the investigation and agreed to cooperate fully with the review.

"Jensen fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with it. The Board has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team and will provide further updates as appropriate," the company added.

Following the announcement of the board inquiry, Fox News reported that Huang had admitted to an extramarital relationship with a technology executive suspected of spying for China.

In an internal apology to company employees, reported by Fox News, Huang acknowledged his personal wrongdoing and admitted to being unfaithful to his family.

"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did," Huang reportedly stated in the message.

The developments came after three Republican chairs of US House committees reportedly asked Huang on Friday to address, behind closed doors, reports concerning his alleged links with a Chinese businesswoman suspected of providing information to Beijing, Axios reported.