Trump calls for Apple’s Cook to replace Huang at Nvidia

President Donald Trump expressed his desire for former Apple CEO Tim Cook to replace Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, following Huang's resignation due to two affairs, one involving an alleged Chinese spy. Trump made the statement on his Truth Social network, stating, "TIM COOK of Apple, a Legend replaces a Legend!" While Trump has no formal control over Nvidia, his intervention highlights his strong bond with both Huang and Cook.

During his second term, Trump has treated Huang as a trusted advisor, even accompanying him on Air Force One during a state visit to China in May. Trump defended Huang against allegations of ties to Chinese spy Alice Huang, claiming the tech executive was "suffering greatly" and described him as "an amazing guy." However, questions remain about what Trump knew about the allegations and when he became aware of them.

The New York Times reported that Trump was informed of the allegations by Secretary of State Marco Rubio aboard Air Force One in May, just before picking up Huang in Alaska for a flight to Beijing. Tim Cook, now Apple's executive chair of its board of directors, has also been a prominent figure in the tech world around the White House since Trump's return.

In August 2025, Cook and Trump announced Apple's US$600 billion investment increase, and both Cook and Huang attended a state banquet at the White House for Chinese President Xi in September.