Nvidia Board Orders Independent Probe Into CEO Jensen Huang's Ties to Chinese Spy

Nvidia announced on Sunday that its board of directors is opening an independent investigation into the company's founder and chief executive, Jensen Huang. The review follows reports that Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence effort. The board stated it is prioritizing U.S. national and economic security, which it described as paramount to the interests of the company and its shareholders.

The decision comes after The New York Times and the Financial Times reported that Huang had a relationship with Alice Huang, a Chinese business woman. The outlets reported that Alice Huang, who is not related to the Nvidia CEO, was recruited to spy for China. Her Singapore-based company was purchasing Nvidia's advanced chips. U.S. intelligence agencies had placed her under surveillance. The reports indicated that concerns within the U.S. government regarding the relationship reached Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In a statement, Nvidia said the investigation will be overseen by a committee of independent directors with the assistance of outside counsel. The company added that it has no reason to believe national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised. The board's inquiry will examine all available information. A spokesperson for Nvidia told NBC News that the news would not slow the company and that Jensen Huang was committed to continuing as CEO without interruption.

Jensen Huang addressed employees in a memo shared by the company with NBC News. He acknowledged that he was unfaithful to his wife. He stated that his actions hurt her and their children and that there is no excuse for what he did. He told his family that he loves them and hopes they will heal. He noted that while an apology cannot undo what he has done, he hopes to earn back their trust over time.

In the same memo, Huang addressed colleagues, board members, partners, and shareholders. He said they deserved better from him and that leading Nvidia is the privilege of his life. He stated his responsibility is to serve them and be worthy of their trust. He admitted he had fallen short of that responsibility and expressed full commitment to the company. He pledged to work to earn back their confidence.

Nvidia has positioned itself at the forefront of the artificial intelligence industry for years. Its products are the most sought-after chips in the world. Top-tier products are mostly restricted from being sold to customers in China due to national security concerns. Huang has regularly appeared alongside President Donald Trump and King Charles to promote the company and the future payoff of AI.

The Financial Times reported on Friday that the U.S. government believed Jensen Huang had a romantic relationship with Alice Huang. In response to that specific story, Nvidia declined to comment at the time. The company noted that Huang meets thousands of customer executives every year, a practice common among chief executives.

NBC News stated it had not confirmed either report independently. The network reached out to the Trump administration for comment on the developing situation. The board's announcement on Sunday marked the first formal corporate response to the intelligence reports.