Trump backs Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid suspected Chinese spy probe
The US President said Jensen Huang should remain leader of the chipmaker after the executive admitted to an affair with a suspected spy.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang should remain in his leadership role. Trump's comments followed reports that Huang had an affair with a woman suspected by US intelligence of being a Chinese spy.
According to Moneycontrol and Financial Express, Trump told reporters he had not spoken to Huang about the matter but described him as a "fine person." When asked if Huang should stay on as leader, Trump said, "I think so. Oh yeah, sure."
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admitted on Sunday that he had been unfaithful to his wife. In a letter to employees, Huang said he was "deeply sorry" and was taking "full responsibility" for his actions.
The company's board of directors is launching an investigation into whether Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence agency. The board stated it has no reason to believe that national security or Nvidia's confidential information has been compromised, but it will examine all available information.
The probe follows reports that Huang was targeted by Alice Huang, a former Megaspeed International executive. The New York Times reported that US intelligence officials suspected the woman was recruited by a Chinese spy agency to collect information on the CEO.
Trump said he is open to taking Huang on his upcoming trip to Asia later this month. Huang has committed to cooperating with the board's inquiry and intends to continue as CEO during the investigation.
