‘It’s sad that it happened’: Trump reacts to Jensen Huang’s resignation amid spy scandal; backs Tim Cook to take over | Today’s news
Hours after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned on Thursday (local time) amid a scandal surrounding his alleged affair with Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman suspected of having ties to Chinese intelligence services, US President Donald Trump reacted to his departure, describing the development as a “terrible thing” and saying it was “so sad that it happened”.
Trump reacts to Huang’s resignation
Trump made the remarks in an interview with the Salem News Channel, during which he brought up Huang when discussing Chinese espionage and the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI). He also expressed regret over the controversy surrounding Nvidia’s former CEO.
Referring to Huang and the recognition he had previously received, Trump said, “Well, we gave it to Jensen, frankly, a little earlier — but what a terrible thing, it’s so sad to see it happen.”
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Trump called Huang’s departure a “terrible thing” and said it was “so sad that it happened.” He also praised Huang’s work at Nvidia.
Trump endorsed Tim Cook, the former CEO of Apple, saying: “A legend replaces a legend.” The articles do not indicate that Nvidia or Cook agreed to the move.
One related article describes this possibility as highly unlikely. He notes that Apple and Nvidia have different businesses, and that Cook’s strengths may not translate to Nvidia.
Nvidia CFO Colette Kress serves as interim CEO. No permanent successor was mentioned in the articles provided.
No. The article said US officials had not determined whether she was a spy and the FBI was investigating reports of alleged links to the Chinese government.
Read also | Alice Huang-Huawei Link: What is Jensen Huang’s lover’s connection to China?
Trump’s comments came as Huang faced increasing scrutiny over reports of alleged affairs with two women: Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman suspected by US intelligence officials of having ties to Chinese intelligence, and Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare.
Trump defends ex-Nvidia boss: What we know
Despite Huang’s resignation on Thursday, days after he publicly admitted in a letter to Nvidia employees that he had been unfaithful to his wife, Trump reportedly continued to defend the former Nvidia CEO.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump weighed in on the question of Huang’s successor and praised his contributions to the chipmaker. He wrote: “NOW THAT NVIDIA CEO JENSEN HUANG, who did a fantastic job, has resigned, only one man is taking his place – Apple’s TIM COOK. A legend replaces a legend.”
The development follows a report by The New York Times that Trump called Huang earlier in the week and urged him to continue fighting for his job amid the unfolding espionage allegations. The report, citing people familiar with the matter, said Tuesday’s conversation was another example of the US president standing by Huang, who has emerged as a prominent ally and influential adviser on artificial intelligence. That support reportedly continued even after intelligence agencies concluded Huang was involved in an affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy.
Reports indicate Trump was warned at least twice about Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang, a Chinese national who intelligence agencies believe was recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security. However, Trump reportedly took no action and instead included Huang on his state visit to China this May.
Read also | Jensen Huang steps down: From disbelief to Chinese links as Nvidia’s crisis unfolds
According to the president’s advisers, Trump showed little concern about the potential national security implications when he was briefed on the intelligence assessments regarding Huang. One aide said Trump viewed the matter primarily as a case of alleged infidelity and dismissed concerns that Huang’s relationship could pose a threat to the United States.
According to Reuters, US officials have not yet determined whether Alice Huang was a Chinese spy. On Thursday, Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department had not closed the matter, adding that the FBI was investigating reports of her alleged ties to the Chinese government.
Trump also addressed the allegations in an interview with the “Straight Shooter” podcast that was released later Thursday. Asked whether Jensen Huang should resign, the US president said his decision would depend on whether Alice Huang was indeed a spy.
“The big thing is, was the woman a spy? And I don’t know if that’s been determined. But if the woman was a spy, yes. If the woman wasn’t a spy, maybe it would be different,” Trump said. He added that he spoke with Jensen Huang on Wednesday.
Trump’s earlier remarks about Huang’s alleged ties to China
Earlier Monday, a day after Huang admitted to his affair with Alice Huang, Bloomberg reported that Trump called the former Nvidia co-founder to check on him. Trump also denied having any information about Huang’s relationship, saying the Nvidia co-founder assured him he had “absolutely no idea the person was a spy.” Trump told reporters: “I just know Jensen very well. I think he’s a very honest man.”
Read also | ‘He didn’t do anything about it’: US lawmaker accuses Trump of protecting Huang
Although Trump has said the matter has prompted an FBI investigation and is calling for a separate congressional investigation, it doesn’t seem to have dented his confidence in Huang much. Asked repeatedly about their relationship on Monday, Trump emphasized their personal friendship and defended the technology executive with whom he has developed a close relationship over the past two years since returning to the White House for a second term.
