The United States Congress is pursuing testimony from Jensen Huang, the recently resigned chief executive of Nvidia, following revelations of a security scandal involving suspected Chinese espionage at one of America’s most strategically important technology companies.
Representative John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, confirmed Thursday that his committee is negotiating with Huang to arrange an appearance before Congress. The lawmaker made clear that cooperation is expected, stating that if voluntary testimony is not forthcoming, three committee chairs have agreed to exercise their subpoena authority.
Huang stepped down from his position at Nvidia on Thursday amid disclosures that he had engaged in an extramarital affair with Alice Huang, a former executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data center company. Federal authorities suspect Alice Huang of operating as an intelligence asset for the People’s Republic of China. The resignation marks an extraordinary turn of events for the executive who co-founded Nvidia and guided it to become a cornerstone of America’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
The matter has drawn attention from multiple congressional committees due to Nvidia’s central role in producing the advanced semiconductors that power artificial intelligence systems. These chips represent critical technology in the ongoing competition between the United States and China for technological supremacy.
On November 4, Moolenaar joined Representatives Brian Mast of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Rick Crawford of the Intelligence Committee in formally requesting that Huang appear for a closed-door briefing. The letter specifically sought information regarding Nvidia’s security protocols against foreign espionage and details of Huang’s interactions with the suspected Chinese intelligence operative. The committees set Wednesday as their deadline for response.
Both Mast and Moolenaar indicated Thursday that Huang has responded and signaled his willingness to appear, though Moolenaar acknowledged that the resignation has altered the circumstances surrounding any potential testimony. With Republicans maintaining control of Congress only until January, Moolenaar expressed urgency in securing Huang’s appearance to establish a complete factual record.
The congressional inquiry extends beyond Huang’s personal conduct to examine how Megaspeed obtained access to advanced Nvidia chips that are explicitly prohibited from export to China under current trade restrictions. Both American and Singapore authorities are investigating whether Megaspeed engaged in smuggling these strategically sensitive components into Chinese territory.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the upper chamber will likely conduct its own oversight proceedings, noting the significant national security implications at stake. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota had stated his support for issuing a subpoena even before Huang’s resignation was announced, and his office confirmed that position remains unchanged.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for accountability from both Huang and the Trump administration, questioning what actions were taken once the relationship with the suspected intelligence operative became known. The New York Democrat emphasized that Huang’s departure from Nvidia does not diminish the need for answers about potential risks to national security.
President Trump, who has maintained a friendship with Huang, offered measured praise for the departing executive while suggesting that Apple’s Tim Cook could serve as a suitable replacement. The President described Huang as having done a fantastic job during his tenure at the company.
The situation presents Congress with questions about the adequacy of security protocols at companies handling sensitive technology and the vulnerability of American innovation to foreign intelligence operations. As the investigation proceeds, lawmakers from both parties appear united in their determination to understand how these security failures occurred and what measures are necessary to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Related: Five Shot in Morning Rampage Near White House, Gunman Takes Own Life
