Trump Backs Nvidia’s Jensen Huang as Board Probes Espionage Allegations

US President Donald Trump defended Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang after reports linked him to a woman suspected by US intelligence officials of passing information to Beijing. Trump said he had spoken to Huang and believed the executive had been unaware of the alleged ties. He said he hoped US national security had not been compromised.

Trump told reporters he was surprised when he heard the allegations, describing Huang as a “very high-quality person” he had known for a long time. He said he asked Huang directly whether he had known about the woman’s alleged intelligence links. Recounting the conversation, Trump said Huang told him, “I had no idea that she was a spy.” The president added that he believed him.

Trump Praises Huang’s Record at Nvidia

Trump pointed to Nvidia’s rise to become one of the world’s most valuable companies and credited Huang with building it around its chip technology. He singled out the company’s Blackwell chips, claiming they were 10 years ahead and too complex for rivals to copy.

Asked about the potential national security implications, Trump said he hoped there was no problem and would disclose it if one emerged. He said he had read Huang’s public response and believed the executive was under considerable strain, particularly because of the toll on his wife and family. “I believe he’s suffering greatly,” Trump said.

Nvidia Board Reviews Security Risks as Shareholders Sue

Nvidia’s board is conducting a separate inquiry into whether Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The board said it had found no indication that national security or company secrets had been compromised, Fox News reported.

Huang reportedly told employees he had been unfaithful to his wife. He did not address reports linking him to Alice Huang, a former executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based buyer of Nvidia chips, according to Fox News.

Shareholders filed a proposed class action on Monday in federal court in San Jose, California. They allege that Nvidia and its chief executive withheld information about the reported relationship and failed to disclose national security concerns that could damage the company’s reputation and business.

The lawsuit was filed five minutes after the closing bell, Fox News reported. Nvidia shares fell 4.3% on Monday, wiping about $190 billion off the company’s market value.

Beijing Rejects Intelligence Allegations

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected the allegations on Monday when asked about a report in The New York Times. The newspaper, citing information from US intelligence agencies, reported that a Chinese businesswoman close to Huang had provided intelligence to Beijing.

“These reports are groundless speculation, and a smear against China,” Guo said. Yu Jing, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, shared a video of Guo’s response on X and said Beijing firmly rejected the allegations.

With inputs from ANI