The FBI is investigating claims that a woman linked to Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang may have worked for Chinese intelligence, according to US President Donald Trump. The case has raised fresh questions about national security, technology and the close links between major chip firms and China.
Trump said he had spoken with Huang on Monday. He said the Nvidia chief told him he had no knowledge that the woman was an alleged spy. Trump also said he believed Huang and described him as an honorable person.
The woman, identified in reports as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, is not related to the Nvidia chief. She previously worked for Megaspeed, a company linked to the technology sector. US officials have reportedly examined whether she passed sensitive information to Beijing.
The claims have not been proved in public. The FBI has not shared details of its investigation. China has also rejected the allegations, adding another point of tension between Washington and Beijing.
The case has placed Huang under growing public attention. He is one of the most important figures in the global chip industry. Nvidia plays a central role in the supply of advanced processors used in artificial intelligence systems, data centres and other high-tech products.
The company has said its board is carrying out an independent review. A group of independent directors, supported by outside legal advisers, will examine reports about the alleged foreign intelligence effort.
Nvidia said it has no reason to believe that company secrets or national security information were compromised. The board also said it has confidence in Huang and noted that he is cooperating with the review.
The company has not announced any finding of wrongdoing by its chief executive. The review is intended to examine the reports and assess whether the claims raise concerns for the company.
The allegations have also drawn attention from US lawmakers. A congressional committee has requested a closed-door briefing on the matter. Lawmakers are seeking more information about the reported intelligence activity and any possible effect on US technology security.
A reported memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also part of the wider debate. The memo was said to have warned senior US officials about concerns involving the woman last spring. Reports have linked her to suspected efforts to obtain information for China.
At the same time, Huang has faced questions about his personal relationship with the woman. He has reportedly admitted to having an affair and apologised for being unfaithful. The personal matter has added another layer to the public debate, although it does not by itself prove any claim of spying or access to company secrets.
Nvidia is also facing legal pressure. A shareholder class-action lawsuit filed in California reportedly accuses the company of failing to disclose important information about the situation. The case could create further questions about what the board and company leaders knew and when they knew it.
The claims have already affected investor confidence. Nvidia shares fell by more than 4% on Monday, wiping about $250 billion from the company’s market value. The fall shows how quickly concerns about leadership and national security can affect a major technology company.
The wider dispute comes as Washington continues to place limits on China’s access to advanced computer chips. US officials have argued that powerful processors could support military systems and other strategic uses. These concerns have shaped export rules for Nvidia and other chip makers.
The company has faced close scrutiny over sales of its H200 processors to Chinese customers. Any such sales are subject to US conditions and approval rules. More advanced products, including Nvidia’s GB200 Blackwell systems, remain restricted from sale to China under current controls.
This policy creates a difficult balance for Nvidia. China is a major technology market, but US rules limit which products the company can sell there. At the same time, the US government wants to protect its lead in advanced computing.
The FBI inquiry adds a new layer of risk to this already sensitive business relationship. However, the available public information does not show that Huang shared secrets or knew about any alleged intelligence activity.
For now, Nvidia’s board review, the FBI investigation and questions from lawmakers are likely to keep the matter in focus. The outcome may affect public trust in the company and add pressure to the debate over technology exports to China.
