Trump Nom Tim Cook for Nvidia CEO After Huang Resignation

President Donald Trump named Tim Cook as his preferred successor for Nvidia's chief executive officer role on Friday, hours after Jensen Huang announced his resignation. Huang stepped down on Friday morning following reports of extramarital affairs, including one involving an alleged Chinese spy. Nvidia's chief financial officer is currently leading the company on an interim basis while a permanent replacement is sought.

Trump made the endorsement on Truth Social, stating that Huang "has done a fantastic job" and that "there is only one man to take his place." He identified the candidate as "TIM COOK of Apple," calling the potential move a scenario where "A Legend replaces a Legend!" The president reiterated his support for Cook on a new episode of Stephen A. Smith's Straight Shooter podcast released on Friday.

During the podcast, Trump described Cook as a figure who "just sort of semi-retired from Apple" and credited him with performing "one of the greatest jobs in the history of business." The president argued that Apple's current success is largely attributable to Cook, suggesting the company "would never be what it is today" had Steve Jobs remained in charge. Trump said Cook transformed the ideas and designs of his predecessors into "one of the great companies of the world in a fairly short period."

Cook left his position as Apple's CEO on September 1 to assume the role of executive chairman. The two men have maintained a close relationship, which included Trump receiving a 24k gold and glass statue from Cook last year. When Cook announced his transition earlier this year, Trump shared a post claiming Apple's head called to "kiss my ass."

Addressing Huang's exit, Trump said he spoke with the outgoing CEO on Thursday. The president described Huang as a person who is "going through hell" and said the decision to step down hinges on whether the woman involved was a spy. "If the woman was a spy, yes," Trump said, adding that the answer might be different if she was not. He noted that Huang told him his greatest regret is the impact of the scandal on his wife and family.

Trump characterized Huang as a "tremendous talent" and a "fine man," predicting that Huang would recover from the situation. "Somehow, he'll end up on his feet," the president said. Neither Apple nor Nvidia issued an immediate response to requests for comment regarding Trump's endorsement.