Nvidia’s independent directors hired outside counsel to review reports targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, as President Donald Trump said Huang had no idea a woman was an alleged spy.
On Nov. 10, the directors said they had retained former acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim and his firm, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, to conduct the inquiry. The board opened its independent review Nov. 8 after reports that foreign intelligence had targeted Huang.
The board said it had seen no basis to conclude that national security or Nvidia’s secrets were compromised, and that its review would consider all available information. It has given no public timetable and said further updates would come when warranted.
On Monday, Trump said he had spoken with Huang earlier that day. Trump said Huang told him he had no idea the woman was a spy, adding, “I really believe him.” He also said the FBI was looking into a matter involving Huang but did not specify what it was examining.
In a Nov. 8 message to employees, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologized to his family and colleagues. He said he supported the board’s inquiry and would cooperate. His message did not identify the woman or discuss the espionage claims.
The Associated Press and AFP identified the woman as Alice Huang in their reports. The New York Times reported, citing U.S. intelligence findings, that she gathered information for Beijing. That allegation has not been established publicly. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Guo Jiakun rejected it as unsubstantiated and said it was intended to smear China.
The Associated Press has reported that Nvidia’s advanced chips are used by leading AI developers and that U.S. regulators have moved to limit China’s access to the technology. The New York Times also reported concerns that Beijing could gain information about the chips or influence Nvidia’s position on exports. These claims about intelligence activity remain allegations. The directors have not announced a completion date for the inquiry.
