A New York Times report says President Donald Trump urged Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to stay before the board accepted his resignation, amid reported concern about the chipmaker’s role in U.S. AI and markets.
The New York Times said its account came from two people briefed on the call. It also reported that some Trump advisers viewed Nvidia as important to U.S. artificial intelligence ambitions and markets, while Trump worried Huang’s departure could unsettle markets.
According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Nvidia’s board accepted Huang’s resignation as president, CEO and board member on Nov. 11, effective immediately. The company announced the change Nov. 12, putting the reported call one day before the board’s action and two days before the public announcement.
Nvidia named Chief Financial Officer Colette M. Kress interim CEO. She will keep the finance role while directors consider candidates from inside and outside the company. The company gave no timetable for the search and also appointed Harvey C. Jones as board chair.
The board said Nov. 8 that it had opened an independent investigation after reports alleged a foreign intelligence effort had targeted Huang. Directors said they had no reason to believe national security or Nvidia secrets had been compromised and that Huang would cooperate. Nvidia’s announcement and SEC filing did not explain Huang’s resignation or mention the reported call. EconoTimes previously covered the board’s inquiry and Trump’s public backing of Huang.
Trump discussed the situation during a Nov. 12 interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show, saying, “What a horrible thing that is. That’s so sad to see that happen.” The board has begun its search for a permanent CEO but has not announced when it expects to make a decision.
