Washington DC: US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to fight to retain his position during a phone conversation earlier this week, shortly before the executive stepped down amid a controversy surrounding his alleged extramarital relationships, The New York Times reported Thursday.
According to the report, Trump called Huang on Tuesday and encouraged him to hold on to his job. The conversation took place as the scandal surrounding Huang’s personal life intensified, with the publication citing two people familiar with the discussion.
Jensen Huang Steps Down As Nvidia CEO
Huang resigned as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors on Thursday, following revelations about multiple extramarital relationships, Nvidia said in a statement.
The controversy escalated after Huang acknowledged on Nov. 8 that he had been unfaithful to his wife, although he did not disclose details about the relationships.
Nvidia Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO until the company appoints a permanent successor.
Following Huang’s departure, Trump floated Apple CEO Tim Cook as a potential replacement, praising the technology executive in a post on Truth Social.
“NOW THAT Nvidia CEO JENSEN HUANG, who has done a fantastic job, has resigned, there is only one man to take his place – TIM COOK of Apple. A Legend replaces a Legend!” Trump wrote.
Trump also spoke publicly about his conversation with Huang, saying the former Nvidia chief was going through a difficult period and was particularly concerned about the impact of the controversy on his family.
Speaking to broadcaster Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, Trump praised Huang’s leadership and Nvidia’s achievements.
“What he’s done is incredible,” Trump said, adding that Nvidia was “unbelievable.”
“I spoke to him yesterday. He’s going through hell,” Trump said.
The president added that Huang was especially distressed about the consequences of the controversy for his wife and family.
“What he feels most badly about is his wife and family. That’s what he told me. He called me,” Trump said.
US Justice Department Investigating Allegations Against Alice Huang
Separately, US Attorney General Todd Blanche said Thursday that the Justice Department had not reached a conclusion on whether Alice Huang, the businesswoman reportedly linked to Jensen Huang, was working as a Chinese spy.
Speaking at a news conference, Blanche confirmed that the FBI was investigating reports alleging that Alice Huang had connections to the Chinese government.
“Of course,” Blanche said when asked whether the FBI was looking into the allegations.
Reuters reported Thursday, citing two people familiar with the matter, that Huang had also been involved in a relationship with another Nvidia employee.
The latest revelation follows reports of two additional extramarital relationships, further intensifying scrutiny surrounding the former CEO’s personal life.
Neither the Justice Department nor the FBI has publicly established that Alice Huang was engaged in espionage on behalf of China.
