New Delhi: Nvidia has launched an investigation into its chief executive, Jensen Huang, after he admitted to having an affair with a businesswoman suspected of spying for China. The woman, Alice Huang, previously held a senior position at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed. US intelligence agencies reportedly believe she was recruited to gather information about the American chipmaker.
Huang acknowledged the relationship in a message to Nvidia employees on Sunday. The 63-year-old executive also apologized to his wife, Lori Huang, and their children.
“I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,” Huang wrote.
Nvidia’s board has ordered an independent review of the matter. The investigation will examine whether the relationship exposed sensitive company information or created national security risks.
The board said it had “no reason to believe that either national security or Nvidia secrets were compromised.” However, it said the inquiry would examine all available information. Independent directors will appoint external legal counsel to conduct the review.
Huang will continue serving as CEO during the investigation. Nvidia spokesman, John Rizzo, said the controversy would not disrupt the company’s operations. He added, “Jensen is committed to continuing to lead Nvidia as CEO without interruption.”
Trump defends Huang
The United States president, Donald Trump, defended Huang while speaking to reporters in Florida on Sunday. He described the Nvidia chief as an honourable person and said he had not heard of him doing anything wrong.
He also praised Huang’s contribution to the United States, saying he had “done an amazing job for our country”.
When asked whether Huang should continue as Nvidia’s CEO, Trump replied, “I think so. Oh yes, sure.” He also indicated that Huang would accompany him on his upcoming visit to China.
Trump acknowledged that he had received information about the intelligence concerns approximately a year earlier. However, he said he had not taken action against Huang and had not discussed the latest developments with him.
The latest developments follow RNA Media’s October 29 report on a suspected Chinese intelligence operation involving Huang. The report, citing an earlier investigation by the New York Times, detailed how American intelligence agencies had identified the Nvidia chief as a potential target.
Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, was allegedly recruited by China’s ministry of state security. According to US intelligence assessments, her suspected assignment involved gathering information about Nvidia and potentially influencing American AI chip export policies.
US intelligence agencies tracked her communications for more than a year and found that she was in contact with Jensen Huang. Their relationship was later identified as romantic.
Nvidia had previously maintained that Huang’s interactions with Alice Huang were ordinary business engagements. In an interview with Bloomberg, Huang described their meetings as “related to Megaspeed, and it was all completely normal and not unusual.”
Megaspeed’s $4.8 billion chip purchases under scrutiny
Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data centre company, was established in 2023 after a restructuring involving Chinese gaming firm 7Road. Alice Huang initially served as its managing director and later identified herself as its CEO.
Megaspeed’s Malaysian affiliate purchased more than $4.8 billion worth of AI computing equipment containing Nvidia chips between June 2024 and February 2026. The transactions raised concerns about the possible diversion of restricted American processors to China, the New York Times reported.
Investigators examined Alice Huang’s professional connections. She reportedly worked as a television journalist in China before joining major Chinese banks and a Shanghai-based investment fund. The fund had links to technology businesses and data centre projects.
Corporate records also identified financial connections between her wider business network and a cybersecurity subsidiary of China Electronics Technology Group. The Chinese state-linked group manufactures military technology.
Jensen Huang and Alice Huang were seen together at a bar in Taipei in June 2024. They later attended a dinner with other technology executives in 2025. Taiwanese media also captured Alice Huang kissing the Nvidia chief on the cheek.
Alice Huang has since left Megaspeed. Neither she nor the company has been publicly charged in connection with the reported espionage allegations. Nvidia has maintained that its investigations found no evidence of illegal chip diversion.
Congress seeks answers from Nvidia
The controversy had already attracted congressional attention before Huang admitted to the affair. Lat week, three republican committee chairmen requested a closed-door briefing with the Nvidia chief.
The lawmakers included Brian Mast, chairman of the house foreign affairs committee; John Moolenaar, chairman of the house select committee on China; and Rick Crawford, chairman of the house intelligence committee.
They sought details about Huang’s interactions with Alice Huang and Nvidia’s safeguards against foreign intelligence operations. The lawmakers requested his appearance on November 18 and asked him to confirm his availability by November 11.
The senator, Elizabeth Warren, last month had also demanded explanations from Huang and Nvidia’s board.
The investigation comes as Nvidia seeks greater access to China’s AI market despite American export restrictions. Huang has repeatedly argued that limiting chip sales could strengthen Chinese competitors.
For now, Huang remains in charge of Nvidia while independent directors examine the allegations. No public evidence has established that he knowingly assisted Chinese intelligence or disclosed sensitive company information. The investigation will seek to determine whether the relationship created any security risks.