US lawmakers summon Nvidia ex-CEO after affair with suspected Chinese spy

In December, former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will testify before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee over a series of extramarital affairs, including one with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy. The scandal has resulted in the loss of nearly half a trillion dollars from Nvidia's market valuation and raised concerns about national security.

Republican Senator Tim Scott has requested Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify, citing the potential threat to sensitive U.S. technology. Huang, who has been married for over 40 years, admitted to the affair with Alice Huang, a former Megaspeed executive, who is not related to him. Although U.S. intelligence reportedly circulated a memo alleging Alice Huang's involvement with China's Ministry of State Security, Beijing has denied these claims.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported a second affair involving Nvidia's Vice President of Healthcare, Kimberly Powell. Nvidia's board appointed interim CEO Colette Kress, who will serve in the role while the company searches for a permanent successor. Huang, the company's largest individual shareholder, gave up his board seat without providing a reason for his departure.

The Chinese government has rejected the allegations of espionage. The affair and Huang's ties to a suspected Chinese spy have sparked concerns among key U.S. politicians, including House Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who have called for answers on what the Trump administration knew about the situation.