Democrats want Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to testify on what Trump knew as he defended him

Congressional inquiries take shape

Rep. Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat expected to become chair of the House Intelligence Committee, said Democrats had asked Huang to appear before Congress. They want to question him about his relationship with a woman reportedly assessed by U.S. intelligence agencies as collecting intelligence for China.

Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York said he would subpoena Jeff Kessler, a Trump Commerce Department political appointee. The New York Times reported that Kessler had communicated with Nvidia about a department investigation into the woman’s company over possible smuggling of advanced Nvidia AI chips to China; Kessler did not respond to the Times’ requests for comment.

Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said the Senate would investigate whether national security was compromised. He also called for answers about ties between AI billionaires and the Trump administration.

Trump and Nvidia respond

Trump told reporters Monday that Huang said he did not know the woman involved in his affair was providing information to the Chinese government. Trump described Huang as an “honorable guy” and a “high-quality person.” Huang has apologized for the affair. Nvidia says it is investigating the alleged spying and has found no reason to believe U.S. national security or company secrets were compromised; the Chinese government has called the allegations a “smear.” Asked about the administration’s handling of the information, a White House spokesperson referred MS NOW to Trump’s remarks and said, “These sources have no idea what they’re talking about.”

Former officials question notification

Five former senior U.S. intelligence and national security officials told MS NOW they had questions about the administration’s handling of the investigation. Alan Kohler, a former head of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, said the case raises questions about what the government knew and how it acted.

Kohler said the FBI routinely briefs Americans who unknowingly have contact with people officials assess to be linked to foreign intelligence services. Whether to approach someone depends on the relationship, the source’s sensitivity and possible effects on an investigation or intelligence operation.