Trump’s close ties to Nvidia’s Huang scrutinized after foreign intelligence concerns

US President Donald Trump has been under scrutiny for his close ties with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, following the company's board probe into potential foreign intelligence targeting Huang. Nvidia's relationship with Trump dates back to at least 2025, with Huang repeatedly supporting Trump's agenda and attending high-profile events in Washington.

Huang's presence was even noted on Trump's phone in December 2025, and he visited China with the president in May, marking the first visit by a US president to China in nearly a decade. Huang also attended a state dinner at the White House for Chinese President Xi Jinping in September, alongside a $25 million commitment to Trump's White House ballroom.

Despite these close ties, Trump praised Huang's achievements and received the nation's highest honor for scientific achievement from the president in October. However, the New York Times reported that Trump was aware of Huang's connection with a Chinese businesswoman believed to be passing information to the Chinese government, yet chose not to act on this information.

The relationship between Trump and Huang has been favorable for Nvidia, with the administration initially backing off restrictions on exports of Nvidia AI chips to China after Huang's visit to Mar-a-Lago in April 2025, and later allowing export of H200 processors to China with a 25% fee in December 2025. Trump has hinted at owning Nvidia stock, with White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stating that financial institutions manage the president's portfolio.

When asked about the allegations, Trump stated that he has not spoken to Huang and called him an honorable guy.