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Donald Trump responds after woman Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had an affair with is suspected Chinese spy
Donald Trump has spoken out after it was reported that the woman Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had an affair with is a suspected Chinese spy.
Late last month, The New York Times reported that Huang had developed a close relationship with Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, a Chinese executive at a Singapore-based data center.
Per the report, US intelligence officials suspected Alice of acting as a spy for Beijing, raising concerns about whether the relationships exposed sensitive information.
Nvidia, one of the world's largest companies and seen as central to the hardware powering emerging AI technologies, has announced an independent investigation into the allegations.
Jensen, who has led the technology giant for more than three decades, has also publicly apologized for being unfaithful to his wife.
Nvidia launches independent investigation into spying allegations
The company said in a statement that the board had no reason to believe its confidential information or US security had been compromised.
"The Nvidia board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort," a statement said.
"A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation."
It added: "While the board has no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised, the board's inquiry will examine all available information."
Jensen Huang apologizes to his wife and family over the affair
Huang initially denied reports of an affair before publicly acknowledging his infidelity in a statement.
"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry," he said, per Sky News. "Throughout my life, my family has given me love and support. They deserve my honesty and loyalty. Instead, I let them down and damaged the life we built together."
"I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it."
"To my wife and family: I love you. I know an apology cannot undo what I have done. I hope our family will heal and that, over time, I can earn back your trust."
The Nvidia boss also apologized to his colleagues and shareholders.
"To my colleagues at NVIDIA, including those I have worked alongside for decades, and to our board, partners, and shareholders around the world: you deserve better from me," he continued. "Leading NVIDIA is the privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence."
Turning to the intelligence allegations, he expressed his support for the company's independent review.
"Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, NVIDIA's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully."
"I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America’s national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American," he concluded. "My family bears no responsibility for my choices. I do. Please give them privacy."
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Donald Trump responds to allegations involving Nvidia CEO
Jensen has appeared alongside the president and other tech moguls at several events, including the 80-year-old's trip to China earlier this year to meet President Xi Jinping.
Trump said he had not spoken to the Nvidia boss since news of the investigation emerged.
"I just know he's a fine person, but you never know what's going on," he told reporters, adding that he had "done an amazing job for our country".
The New York Times reported in late October that Trump had been briefed last year on intelligence alleging Alice was spying on China's behalf.
When reporters asked whether he now wished he had "acted on the intelligence" at the time, Trump replied: "No, I don't think so. I think he's an honourable guy."
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment when asked about Huang before flying to Paris for a G7 meeting.
"I can't comment on any of that. I just can't comment because of the nature of it. And I also can't comment on an internal corporate matter that's going on with Nvidia, as you highlight, I don't know anything about that part of it so," he told the press.