Ex-Nvidia boss faces Congress grilling over ‘Chinese honeypot’ scandal

Senator Tim Scott sent letters to both men on Thursday, seeking their testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in early December. "Recent reports raise serious concerns about our national security and the protection of sensitive US technology," Scott wrote on social media. "The American people deserve answers."

Huang's appearance is voluntary, but the committee warned it is prepared to use "all tools" at its disposal, including subpoenas, if he refuses to testify. The scandal erupted earlier this month following reports linking the CEO to Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, a businesswoman formerly associated with Singapore-based Nvidia chip buyer Megaspeed International.

Security Concerns

The New York Times and Financial Times claimed US intelligence officials suspected Alice Huang of gathering information for Beijing and attempting to influence Huang to loosen restrictions on chip exports to China. The FBI opened an investigation, while Nvidia's board launched its own probe.

Nvidia Response

On Thursday, Nvidia announced Huang's resignation as CEO, president, and board member "effective immediately," ending his 33-year tenure without offering an explanation. Finance chief Colette Kress was named interim CEO. Huang admitted on Sunday that he had been unfaithful to his wife but did not identify the woman involved.

Subsequent media reports alleged further affairs involving Nvidia healthcare executive Kimberly Powell and another employee. The New York Times reported on Thursday that Huang had hired lawyers experienced in government investigations to handle the fallout.

Government Stance

US Attorney General Todd Blanche said Thursday that the Justice Department had reached no conclusions about whether Alice Huang had spied for Beijing. China strongly rejected the allegations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun dismissing them as "a groundless accusation, slander, and a smear."

Lutnick faces scrutiny over his department's approval of Nvidia chip exports to China. Despite technological rivalry, Washington cleared sales of H20 processors in July 2025, then authorized exports of more powerful H200 chips in December under an arrangement giving the US a 25% cut through tariffs. Lawmakers question whether the Commerce Department adequately assessed national security risks before approving the sales.