U.S. Lawmakers Urge AI Chip Export Ban Amid DeepSeek Concerns

Two U.S. lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to consider restricting Nvidia’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) AI chip exports, citing concerns over China’s AI advancements. Representatives John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi, leading the House Select Committee on China, called for an export ban on Nvidia’s H20 chip, alleging Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has extensively used it.

In a letter to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, the lawmakers stressed the national security risks posed by AI technology falling into China's hands. The letter follows a broader Commerce and State Department review of U.S. export controls on strategic technologies.

DeepSeek recently launched an AI assistant reportedly requiring less data and investment than competitors, raising concerns in Washington about China’s growing AI capabilities. The U.S. House of Representatives' Chief Administrative Officer has also warned against using DeepSeek, pending further review.

The U.S. government fears China could leverage AI for cyber warfare or bioweapon development, prompting former President Joe Biden to introduce stricter AI-related export controls. The Trump administration, which began on Jan. 20, is now reportedly considering further restrictions on H20 chips, which were initially designed to comply with existing trade regulations.

Nvidia responded, stating that its products adhere to government requirements and that it remains willing to collaborate with officials on AI policies. Neither DeepSeek nor the White House has commented on the matter.

As tensions over AI and national security intensify, U.S. lawmakers continue to push for stricter regulations on technology exports to China.