Washington : US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang to remain in his position and fight for his job before the technology executive stepped down amid mounting controversy surrounding his personal conduct and corporate leadership.
According to a report by The New York Times, Trump spoke with Huang over the phone on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, encouraging him not to resign while Nvidia’s board was examining allegations involving his personal relationships and conduct.
During an interview with broadcaster Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, Trump disclosed that Huang had also spoken to him the previous day, expressing regret over the impact of the controversy on his wife, Lori, and their children.
Describing Huang as someone going through an extremely difficult period, Trump praised his contribution to Nvidia, calling his leadership “incredible” and “unbelievable”.
However, following Huang’s reported resignation on Thursday, Trump publicly endorsed Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook as a potential successor, posting on Truth Social: “A Legend replaces a Legend!”
DOJ Yet to Determine Whether Alice Huang Was a Chinese Spy
Meanwhile, the US Justice Department has clarified that its investigation into businesswoman Alice Huang’s alleged connections with the Chinese government remains ongoing.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the FBI was actively investigating allegations that Alice Huang may have been working on behalf of Beijing. However, he stressed that the Justice Department had not reached a conclusion on whether she was a Chinese spy.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny over Alice Huang’s reported connections with Nvidia and the wider controversy surrounding Jensen Huang’s departure.
Fresh Workplace Relationship Allegations Emerge
Adding another dimension to the controversy, Reuters reported, citing two people familiar with the matter, that Jensen Huang was also allegedly involved in a relationship with another Nvidia employee.
The report follows earlier disclosures concerning Alice Huang and Nvidia Vice President Kimberly Powell, bringing additional attention to the company’s internal governance and workplace conduct.
With the leadership transition underway and federal investigations continuing, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding Huang’s reported departure and the potential implications for Nvidia’s future leadership.
