Trump backs Nvidia's Huang amid affair, spy investigation

Ben Berkowitz

Preisdent Trump hands a box with a medal to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. — President Trump awards a medal to Jensen Huang. Photo: Kent Nishimura / AFP via Getty Images

President Trump defended Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Sunday night, even as the company's board launched an investigation into his affair with a suspected Chinese spy.

Why it matters: The blowback to Huang's relationship is only getting more intense by the hour, with multiple members of Congress calling for probes and investors saying the news could put a cloud over the entire AI trade.

What they're saying: Trump was asked Sunday night if he's taking Huang with him on an Asia trip next week.

"I don't know, but I'd certainly take him," the president told reporters.
"I haven't heard that he's done anything wrong," Trump added. "He dealt with somebody but, you know, so does everybody else."

The intrigue: The New York Times reported in late October that Trump was briefed earlier this year about Huang's relationship with the potential spy but chose not to act.

Huang has been one of Trump's favorite corporate executives since his return to office, with Huang frequently appearing at White House events.
He also traveled with Trump to China earlier this year, even after the reported memo warning the president of Huang's relationship.

What's next: A group of House Republican committee chairs have asked Huang to agree by Nov. 11 to a date for a briefing on his relationship and Nvidia's national security controls.

Add Axios on Google

Trump backs Nvidia's Huang amid affair, spy investigation

What to read next