Crawford says it's 'premature' to place blame on Lutnick for Nvidia chip sales

U.S. President Donald Trump purchased Nvidia shares worth between $1 million and $5 million before reversing a rule that restricted the chipmaker's exports to China. This analysis, conducted by the anti-corruption group DeKleptocracy, reveals Trump's financial disclosures. Upon Trump's announcement to lift the export restrictions, Nvidia's shares increased in value.

During his administration, Trump also made investments in other technology companies like Apple, Meta, and Microsoft. In December 2025, Trump authorized the sale of Nvidia's H200 chips to China, a move that drew criticism over potential implications for U.S. national security. Experts warned that these chips were significantly more powerful than those available in China at the time, potentially bolstering China's AI capabilities and strengthening the country's rival.

Trump's financial records show at least three Nvidia stock purchases following the H200 decision, each valued between $250,001 and $500,000. These investments have been subject to scrutiny due to alleged ties between Nvidia and a Chinese intelligence operation involving a woman named Alice Huang. According to reports, Huang had an affair with Nvidia's former CEO, Jensen Huang, and her company, Megaspeed, obtained billions of dollars worth of Nvidia products.

Despite these allegations, Trump was briefed twice by intelligence officials about Huang's supposed status as a Chinese asset, yet he did not take any action.