All about Nvidia CEO Huang's affair controversy

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged having an extramarital relationship with a business executive suspected by US intelligence of gathering information for Beijing, as the chipmaker's board launched an independent investigation into reports that its founder was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. While Huang has apologised to his family and company employees saying he was ‘unfaithful’ to his wife, Nvidia said it has no reason to believe that US national security or the company's secrets were compromised.US President Donald Trump has defended Huang, describing him as an "honourable guy" who has done an "amazing job" for the country. Trump also expects Huang to remain at the helm of Nvidia, adding that the executive deserved to have his side of the story heard.Also read: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's secret affair: Why did US intelligence suspect Alice Huang of spying for China?The controversy follows reports by The New York Times and the Financial Times that US intelligence agencies had identified a close relationship between the Nvidia leader and Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman associated with Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed. US intelligence officials reportedly believe she was gathering information for Beijing.Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang issues key statementIn a draft email to Nvidia employees, Huang acknowledged having an extramarital relationship, "I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.”In a separate message reported by The New York Times, he apologised to his family and company employees, taking responsibility for his actions. "I take full responsibility for what I did and the hurt I caused, and I accept the criticism that comes with it," he wrote.Addressing Nvidia employees, Huang also acknowledged that he had fallen short of his responsibilities towards them. “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," he said.He also requested privacy for his family, saying they bore no responsibility for his choices.Huang has not directly addressed the allegations that the business executive, aka, the Chinese spy was gathering information for the country. He has, however, supported Nvidia's investigation and committed to cooperate with it.Also read: Nvidia opens probe into CEO Jensen Huang over affair with woman suspected of spying for ChinaNvidia announces independent investigationNvidia's board of directors announced an independent investigation following reports that Huang had been the target of a foreign intelligence effort. The investigation will be overseen by a committee of independent directors, assisted by external independent legal counsel.In its statement, Nvidia said, "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." The company added that the board prioritised US national and economic security, which it said was paramount to Nvidia and its shareholders.The board also expressed confidence in Huang and his leadership team and said it would provide further updates as appropriate.Huang, 63, will continue as Nvidia CEO during the investigation, it clarified.Speaking on Huang meeting thousands of customer executives every year, the company previously said that it regularly receives updates from the US government regarding parties and entities of concern and acts accordingly.Trump defends Nvidia CEOTrump has publicly defended Huang amid the controversy, describing him as an honourable person and praising his contribution to the US."I have not spoken to him about it. I just know he's a fine person, but you never know what is going on," Trump told reporters. "I think he's an honourable guy," he said, adding that Huang had "done an amazing job for our country".When asked whether Huang should remain Nvidia's CEO, Trump replied: "I think so. Sure."Trump also suggested that Huang should be given an opportunity to explain himself. Asked whether he would take Huang on his planned trip to Asia, Trump said, "I don't know, but I'd certainly take him."The remarks came amid reports that Trump had been briefed on intelligence findings concerning Huang's relationship with the Chinese businesswoman roughly a year ago but had chosen not to act on the information, according to The New York Times.The Financial Times separately reported that a US government memo based on intelligence information about the alleged relationship had been shared with a small group of senior US officials shortly before Trump travelled to Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.The FT also reported that Trump had held multiple meetings with Huang since beginning his second presidential term in 2025. Huang had personally lobbied Trump earlier this year to allow Nvidia to export its H200 chips to…