Nvidia Board Launches Independent Probe Into CEO's Foreign Intelligence Link

The board of directors at Nvidia announced on Sunday that it is opening an independent investigation into the company’s chief executive. The inquiry follows reports that Jensen Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence operation. The move comes as the chipmaker faces scrutiny over a relationship between Huang and a Chinese businesswoman named Alice Huang. The two individuals are not related.

The announcement followed stories published by The New York Times and the Financial Times. Those reports detailed how Alice Huang, a Chinese citizen who operated a Singapore-based company buying Nvidia’s advanced chips, was recruited to spy for China. U.S. intelligence agencies placed her under surveillance. The New York Times reported that concerns within the U.S. government regarding the connection reached Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In a statement, Nvidia said a committee of independent directors assisted by outside counsel will oversee the process. The board stated that U.S. national and economic security are paramount to the interests of the company and its shareholders. The company added that it has no reason to believe national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised, but the inquiry will examine all available information. Nvidia had previously declined to comment, noting that Huang meets thousands of customer executives every year.

Jensen Huang addressed the issue in a memo to employees shared with NBC News. He admitted to being unfaithful to his wife and stated that his actions hurt her and their children. “There is no excuse for what I did,” he wrote. He told his 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.”

Huang also addressed his colleagues, board, and shareholders in the same email. He described leading Nvidia as the privilege of his life and said he had fallen short of his responsibility to them. “I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence,” he wrote.

Nvidia has remained a central figure in the artificial intelligence boom, with its chips being the most sought-after products in the sector. Top-tier products are restricted from sale to customers in China due to national security concerns. Huang frequently appears alongside President Donald Trump and other global leaders to promote the industry. A spokesperson for Nvidia told NBC News that the news will not slow the company and that Huang is committed to continuing to lead Nvidia as CEO without interruption.