US President Donald Trump has come out in support of NVIDIA founder and Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang amid allegations that a suspected Chinese intelligence operation targeted the technology executive. Trump described Huang as an ‘honorable guy’ and said he expected him to remain at the helm of the semiconductor giant.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said he had not spoken directly to Huang about the controversy but praised his contribution to the United States.
“I have not spoken to him about it. I know he’s a fine person, but you never know what is going on. I’m sure-I hope everything’s fine there. He’s done such an incredible job, so I would certainly hope... he’s a fine person, in my opinion,” Trump said.
When asked whether he regretted not acting earlier after intelligence agencies reportedly briefed him about the suspected foreign intelligence network, Trump defended Huang and said people should be given a chance to explain themselves.
“No, I don’t think so. I think, you know, I think he’s an honorable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it, you know, and you have to hear it. No, you can’t do that with people...He’s done an amazing job for our country,” Trump said.
Asked whether he expected Huang to continue as CEO of NVIDIA, Trump responded, “I think so. Sure.”
Trump’s comments came shortly after NVIDIA’s board of directors announced an independent investigation into reports that a foreign intelligence operation had targeted Huang.
A committee of independent directors will oversee the inquiry, with help from external independent legal counsel.
In its statement, NVIDIA said it had no reason to believe that US national security or the company’s confidential information had been compromised. The board added that it would examine all available information and confirmed that Huang supported the review and had committed to cooperating fully.
Also Read: NVIDIA Probes Jensen Huang’s Alleged Links to Suspected Chinese Spy
The controversy intensified after Fox News reported that Huang had acknowledged an extramarital relationship with a technology executive suspected of spying for China.
In an internal message to employees, Huang apologized for his actions and admitted he was unfaithful to his wife.
“I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, three Republican committee chairs in the US House of Representatives had asked Huang to address, behind closed doors, his reported links with a Chinese businesswoman suspected of providing information to Beijing, Axios reported.
The allegations have brought renewed attention to NVIDIA’s position in the US-China technology rivalry as the company’s board investigation continues.