Trump says Nvidia chief Jensen Huang told him he didn't know Chinese woman was suspected spy
Trump describes phone call
Trump said he asked Jensen Huang whether he knew Alice Huang was a spy. He quoted the Nvidia chief as saying he had no idea, and said he believed him.
Trump did not give a clear account of when he first learned about the matter. He also said the FBI was investigating.
Shareholder lawsuit filed
An Nvidia shareholder filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking class-action status against Nvidia and Huang. The complaint alleges the company made false and misleading statements about the CEO’s interactions with Alice Huang.
Nvidia said a committee of independent directors, supported by outside independent counsel, would oversee an investigation. The company said Huang supports the review and will cooperate.
Nvidia backs its CEO
Nvidia said U.S. and national economic security were paramount to the company and its shareholders. The board also said it had confidence in Huang and his leadership team.
In an internal message shared with ABC News on Sunday, Huang told employees he had been unfaithful to his wife. He said he had fallen short of his responsibility to earn their trust and was committed to the company.
Responses and congressional request
The Chinese government denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and slanderous. Alice Huang and her employer, Megaspeed International, did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment after the New York Times report.
Republicans on the House Select Committee on China asked Huang to attend a closed-door briefing on Nov. 18 about his relationship with Alice Huang. An Nvidia spokesperson said the news would not interrupt his work as CEO.
Key points
- Trump said Huang told him he had no idea Alice Huang was an alleged spy.
- An Nvidia shareholder filed a proposed class-action lawsuit over company statements about the interactions.
- Nvidia said independent directors and outside counsel would oversee a review.
- Republicans on the Select Committee on China requested a closed-door briefing with Huang on Nov. 18.