Nvidia scandal sparks US national security furore and calls to take tough line on China

Former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and former US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are expected to testify before Congress amid concerns that America's security may have been compromised. The scandal emerged following allegations that Huang had an affair with an alleged Chinese spy named Alice Huang.

Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have demanded answers from both Huang and the Trump administration regarding the safety of national security. Schumer questioned whether Trump knew about the relationship when he invited Huang aboard Air Force One for a state visit to Beijing earlier this year.

Lutnick has also agreed to appear before the banking committee to address questions about Nvidia's export controls to China. The controversy has intensified calls for tougher restrictions on chip exports to China, with House Speaker Mike Johnson expressing support for limiting China's access to advanced AI technology.

Nvidia's advanced AI chips are critical to the US race against China in developing superior AI systems. The company's co-founder Huang, who resigned amid the scandal, had enjoyed significant popularity in China, where his presence drew large crowds and media attention.