Nvidia Corp. has launched an independent investigation into founder and Chief Executive Jensen Huang following reports that he was the target of a foreign intelligence effort, the company announced on Sunday.
Independent Directors Review Intelligence Asset Allegations
The microchip manufacturer confirmed that a committee of independent directors, assisted by outside independent counsel, is overseeing the review. Nvidia’s board stated that while it has no reason to believe that national security or company secrets were compromised, the inquiry will examine all available information.
U.S. intelligence officials previously concluded that the businesswoman was acting as an intelligence asset for Beijing.
The New York Times reported last month that US intelligence services believed Alice Huang may have acted as an intelligence asset, sharing information with the ruling party in China.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had reportedly drafted a memo to top Trump administration officials warning that the Nvidia chief was in a close relationship with the Megaspeed executive, whose firm builds data centers in Southeast Asia and supplies computing power to mainland giant Alibaba. U.S. officials also examined whether Megaspeed might have served as a backdoor to channel export-controlled Nvidia processors to Beijing.
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.
Jensen Huang, CEO
Huang continued in his message to colleagues, the board, partners, and shareholders around the world:
Leading Nvidia is the privilege of my life. My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to Nvidia and will work to earn back your confidence.
Jensen Huang, CEO
Huang also addressed the national security concerns in his statement to staff, emphasizing his support for the board’s inquiry.
Statement from NVIDIA: "Today's news will not slow NVIDIA. Jensen is committed to continuing to lead NVIDIA as CEO without interruption." — Statement from NVIDIA Board of Directors November 08, 2026 15:00 ET | Source: NVIDIA The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent…
Regarding the national security concerns raised in news reports, Nvidia’s Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation. I support the investigation and will cooperate fully.
Jensen Huang, CEO
He added further remarks regarding his patriotism and dedication to corporate protection:
I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting Nvidia and supporting America’s national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American.
Jensen Huang, CEO
Nvidia stated that Huang will continue to serve as CEO without interruption while the investigation proceeds, with a company spokesperson noting that the chief executive remains committed to leading the organization.
Officials Monitor Restrictions on Advanced Semiconductor Sales
Following the reports, the Republican-led foreign affairs and intelligence committee of the U.S. U.S. officials have closely monitored restrictions on advanced processors sold to Chinese customers, including the H200 semiconductor—Nvidia’s second most advanced processor—which Washington previously restricted over concerns about giving China’s technology industry an edge.
The Trump administration subsequently stated in January that it would permit the company to sell H200 chips to Chinese customers under specific conditions.
Yorkville Ives partner and senior managing director Dan Ives wrote to investors that the investigation presents a hurdle for the company's leadership.
There is clearly risk that Jensen could be removed as CEO depending on the Board investigation, and this will add risk to the stock as he is so important to the Nvidia story and strategy globally. This will also increase major scrutiny regarding selling chips to China, which remains a key battleground issue in DC.
Dan Ives, Yorkville Ives partner
Ives also described the inquiry as a "black eye" for the chief executive and suggested it would likely trigger multiple congressional investigations, while expecting Huang would continue in his role near-term without interruption.
The investigation coincides with a broader market downturn affecting technology stocks on Wall Street, following a selloff that began earlier in the month and gained momentum after disappointing earnings results.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq index has lost nearly $1 trillion in value over the month, while Nvidia’s stock dropped 21% over the same period. Microchip manufacturer Nvidia remains a central player in artificial intelligence infrastructure, supplying chips to prominent AI developers such as OpenAI and Meta, and commands a valuation of approximately $4.5 trillion.
President Donald Trump told reporters he had not spoken with the Nvidia executive since news of the investigation emerged, mentioning that Huang had previously accompanied him on a trip to Beijing in May as a close adviser on AI.
I just know he’s a fine person, but you never know what’s going on.
President Donald Trump
The president previously greenlit the sale of Nvidia chips to Chinese firms despite a bipartisan push for stricter export controls.
Earlier coverage: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called to brief Congress on China spy report