'Honourable Guy': Trump Defends Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Amid Chinese Spy ‘Honeytrap’ Allegations - Republic World

Washington: US President Donald Trump has defended Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid allegations that the technology executive was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation, calling him an "honourable guy" and expressing confidence that he should continue leading the chipmaking giant.

Trump said he had not personally spoken to Huang about the controversy but maintained that the Nvidia chief had made significant contributions to the United States. He also suggested that Huang deserved an opportunity to explain his side of the matter.

"I have not spoken to him about it. I just 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 told reporters.

When asked whether he regretted not acting sooner after intelligence agencies briefed him about the suspected foreign intelligence network, Trump defended his approach, saying people should not be judged without hearing their explanation.

"No, I don't think so. I think, you know, I think he's an honourable 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 remain Nvidia's CEO, Trump responded, "I think so. Sure."

Trump's remarks come as Nvidia's board has launched an independent investigation into reports that Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence operation.

The controversy involves allegations surrounding Huang's reported relationship with a technology executive suspected by US intelligence of working as a Chinese asset. According to reports, Huang admitted to having an extramarital affair with the woman.

Nvidia confirmed that an independent committee of directors would oversee the investigation, with assistance from external legal counsel. The company said the review would examine all available information and reiterated that national and economic security remained its priority.

In its statement, Nvidia said there was currently no reason to believe that either US national security or the company's proprietary information had been compromised.

"The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort. A committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, will oversee the investigation. The Board prioritises U.S. national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders. While the Board has no reason to believe that either national security or NVIDIA secrets were compromised, the Board's inquiry will examine all available information," the statement said.

The company also confirmed that Huang had welcomed the investigation and agreed to cooperate with the committee.

"The Board has confidence in Jensen and his leadership team and will provide further updates as appropriate," Nvidia said.

The allegations gained further attention after Fox News reported that Huang had acknowledged an extramarital relationship with the technology executive suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence.

In an internal message addressed to Nvidia employees, Huang reportedly admitted to being unfaithful to his wife and apologised for the personal consequences of his actions.

"I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did," Huang stated in the message cited by the network.

The controversy has also drawn attention from US lawmakers. On Friday, three Republican chairs of House committees asked Huang to address the reported links with the Chinese businesswoman in a closed-door meeting, Axios reported.

With Nvidia's board now conducting an independent review and lawmakers seeking answers, the allegations have placed the company's leadership under scrutiny. Trump, however, has publicly backed Huang and indicated that he sees no immediate reason for the CEO to step down.