Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang summoned to Congress over alleged spy liaison
Shares dropped 8 percent as lawmakers demanded a private briefing on security protocols and the CEO's relationship with a Chinese business executive.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Nvidia shares fell eight percent in early trading on Wall Street after three House committee chairs demanded that CEO Jensen Huang appear before Congress. The summons follows reports that Huang maintained a romantic relationship with Alice Huang, a Chinese business executive whom US intelligence agencies identified as a spy. Lawmakers are seeking a confidential briefing on the company's security measures and its interactions with this alleged intelligence asset.
The chairmen of the House committees on foreign affairs, the Chinese Communist Party, and intelligence sent a letter requesting the closed-door session. They stated that recent reports raise serious concerns about the People's Republic of China's access to sensitive American technology. The letter specifically cites the need to determine how much national security is at risk due to potential PRC infiltration into cutting-edge US tech sectors.
Alice Huang ran Megaspeed International, a Singapore-based firm previously suspected of illegally shipping restricted Nvidia chips to China. This activity would have violated US export controls. The New York Times first reported last month that Jensen Huang had an affair with her. US intelligence officials determined that she passed information to Beijing during the relationship.
Jensen Huang addressed his staff in an open letter, admitting he was unfaithful to his wife. He apologized but did not provide further details about the liaison. He stated that he supports the internal investigation and will cooperate fully. He added that he is committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America's national security.
The company maintains offices in the United Kingdom, including locations in Bristol, Belfast, and Reading. Huang founded Nvidia in 1993 and is known for his charismatic public presence. He has regularly visited the White House and mingled with international royalty. His high profile places the company at the center of the ongoing debate over foreign espionage activities in the West.
Beijing has rejected the claims of espionage. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the allegations unsubstantiated smears against China. The UK government has previously warned Beijing about spying operations on British soil and lodged protests over foreign interference. Ministers approved China's new mega-embassy in London earlier this year, despite warnings from MI5 about the threat posed by Beijing to UK national security.
