Nvidia opens internal probe into CEO's tie to Chinese businesswoman

Nvidia announced on Sunday that it is launching an internal investigation into CEO Jensen Huang after reports revealed a close personal relationship with a Chinese businesswoman. The board of directors stated that the inquiry will review all available information regarding the connection. The company said it has no reason to believe national security or corporate secrets were compromised, but it is conducting the review to be thorough.

The scrutiny began with a series of reports published by The New York Times over the past two weeks. Those reports identified the woman as Alice Huang, a Chinese national and businesswoman who was not related to the Nvidia CEO. The newspaper described her rise in the business world as rapid and mysterious. Alice Huang ran a company based in Singapore that purchased nearly $5 billion worth of Nvidia chip technology.

The Times reported that Alice Huang may have helped China bypass U.S. export limits on powerful AI chips. Reporter Ana Swanson noted that the two were photographed together at a bar in Taiwan after industry events. They were also seen having dinner with other executives. Swanson described Alice Huang as a Chinese businesswoman with a meteoric rise in her career.

Jensen Huang sent an email to Nvidia employees on Sunday to acknowledge the relationship. He apologized to his wife for being unfaithful and said he supports the board's investigation. Huang wrote that he will cooperate fully with the process. He also expressed his commitment to protecting the company and supporting America's national security. He described himself as an American who is proud to lead the firm.

The issue has drawn attention from Washington. Last week, three Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Huang. They requested that he brief lawmakers on the relationship and the company's security protocols against foreign adversary espionage. NPR contacted the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., but did not receive a response as of the time of reporting.

Nvidia dominates the global market for AI chips. The company started by making graphics chips for computers, which later proved essential for training artificial intelligence. The firm has seen explosive growth in recent years. CEO Jensen Huang has appeared in public with President Trump multiple times. According to Huang, Nvidia is helping to fund the construction of a new ballroom at the White House.

The board's inquiry is the next scheduled step in the process. The company will examine the details of the relationship and the business dealings involved. The outcome of the investigation has not yet been announced.