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Nvidia’s board of directors has launched an independent investigation after reports emerged that CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation linked to China. The announcement came after The New York Times and the Financial Times published articles detailing Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman. The two share a surname but are not related.
Spy Allegations and the Board’s Response
A source familiar with the matter told NBC News that U.S. intelligence agencies determined Alice Huang was a Chinese spy who had a personal relationship with Jensen Huang. Her Singapore-based company, Megaspeed, purchased Nvidia’s advanced chips. Intelligence reports indicated China’s top spy agency had recruited her.
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Nvidia’s board stated it was acting “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, supported by outside legal counsel, will lead the inquiry. The board added it had “no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised,” but said the investigation would examine all available information.
China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the spy claims “unsubstantiated” and described them as “nothing but smears against China.”
Jensen Huang Admits to Affair
In a memo shared with Nvidia employees, Jensen Huang admitted to an extramarital affair. “I was unfaithful to my wife,” he wrote. “My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.” He also addressed his family directly, writing: “I love you. I know an apology cannot undo what I have done.”
Huang had previously described his interactions with Alice Huang as entirely business-related. “Our relationship, our interactions, have been related to Megaspeed, and it was all completely normal and not unusual,” he said in an earlier statement.
Political Reaction and Congressional Scrutiny
The scandal reached the highest levels of government. The New York Times reported that concerns about the relationship rose as high as Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking to reporters in Florida shortly after Nvidia’s announcement, Rubio declined to comment, citing the sensitive nature of the matter.
President Donald Trump, however, offered Huang his full support. Trump told reporters he considers Huang “a fine person” and “an honorable guy” who should remain CEO. Trump also said he would consider bringing Huang on his upcoming trip through Asia.
Meanwhile, top House Republicans had already requested a briefing from Huang before Sunday’s announcement. Representative John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said the reports raised “significant national security concerns regarding the PRC’s access to sensitive U.S. technology and information.”
Nvidia’s Position and Huang’s Legacy
Nvidia is currently the world’s second-largest publicly traded company, valued at nearly $4.5 trillion. Its stock has risen more than 500% over the past five years. Huang’s personal net worth has grown from around $25 billion in early 2022 to nearly $160 billion, placing him among the world’s ten wealthiest people, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
A company spokesperson confirmed that Huang remains committed to leading Nvidia as CEO “without interruption” and that the investigation would not slow the company’s operations.
