Nvidia opens independent probe into CEO Jensen Huang over alleged Chinese intelligence link

Nvidia's board of directors launched an investigation into chief executive Jensen Huang on Sunday after he confirmed an intimate relationship with a woman accused of working for Chinese intelligence.

The probe will be conducted by "a committee of independent directors" with outside counsel, the company announced. The board stated that while it has "no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised," its inquiry will examine all available information, adding it retained "confidence in Jensen and his leadership team." Huang will continue leading Nvidia during the investigation.

The case stems from a New York Times report last month identifying the woman as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, whose employer Megaspeed had become one of Nvidia's largest buyers, purchasing some $4.8 billion in equipment from the firm. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC denied any allegations of spying.

In an email to Nvidia staff on Sunday, Huang admitted to the relationship, stating that "I was unfaithful to my wife" and that his actions hurt his family, adding there was no excuse for what he did.

The disclosure drew bipartisan backlash in the US Congress. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren called on Nvidia and its board to answer to Congress, citing months of concerns about advanced AI chips reaching China. Republican lawmakers — John Moolenaar, Brian Mast and Rick Crawford — called on Huang to testify before Congress on November 18, stating it was "vital that Congress determines the extent to which US national security" has been placed at risk.

Nvidia lost $450 billion in market value in a single trading day last week before rebounding on Friday, regaining 4 percent of its losses.