US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid an investigation into his alleged relationship with Alice Huang, a Singapore-based tech executive identified by U.S. intelligence as a suspected intelligence asset for Beijing.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Trump said Huang assured him he had no knowledge that the associate was operating as an intelligence operative.
“I asked him that question ‘Did you have any idea that she was a spy?’ He said ‘I had no idea that she was a spy’ and I really believe him,” Trump told reporters, adding that he was “amazed” by the revelations.
The developments follow a report by The New York Times disclosing that Huang maintained a close personal relationship with a Chinese businesswoman whom US intelligence officials suspect shared information with Beijing.
President Trump backs Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid Chinese spy affair investigation
In response to the allegations, Nvidia’s board of directors initiated an internal investigation.
Trump confirmed that federal law enforcement authorities are now examining the circumstances. “I know the FBI is looking into it,” Trump said. “I think that he’ll be in good shape.”
Over the past two years, the Nvidia chief has consistently supported the administration’s economic agenda and established a regular presence in Washington as the semiconductor giant sought regulatory approval to export advanced microchips to the Chinese market.
