Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admitted to having an extramarital affair, according to the source. He apologized to staff in a note on Sunday for being "unfaithful to my wife." The company's board said it was investigating any related national security concerns and said it has "confidence in Jensen."
The Financial Times reported that Huang was romantically involved with Alice Huang. The New York Times reported that U.S. intelligence officials believe Alice Huang is a spy for China's Ministry of State Security. The source says she is also affiliated with Megaspeed, an Nvidia customer accused of helping restricted Chinese companies acquire Nvidia's AI chips. The source does not confirm these claims independently.
Democrats are pressing for answers. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the presumed next House speaker, told CBS News on Monday that the matter is "a significant issue of concern." He said he expects the affair to be discussed at a classified briefing with White House officials. Sen. Chris Coons, in line to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote on X on Saturday that "Congress will investigate and get answers."
House Republican leaders have also asked Huang for a closed-door briefing on Chinese spying issues later this month. President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that Huang is an "honorable guy" and that he "probably has an excuse for it."
Nvidia shares fell 12% in the two days after the midterm elections, according to the source. A company spokesperson said, "Today's news will not slow Nvidia," and that Huang "is committed to continuing to lead Nvidia as CEO without interruption." An investor close to Huang told CNBC that he could take a leave of absence, depending on the board's findings.