Key Highlights
- Jensen Huang resigned from Nvidia after reports of affairs involving women linked to the company.
- Donald Trump urged Huang to fight to keep his position and later said Huang was “going through hell.”
- Huang is expected to testify before Congress about a relationship that US intelligence reportedly suspected was connected to a Chinese operative.
Why Jensen Huang Resigned From Nvidia
Jensen Huang appeared to have stopped contesting the pressure surrounding his departure from Nvidia, according to people who spoke with him in recent days. One person said Huang repeatedly used phrases such as “whatever” and “I don’t care,” giving those around him the impression that he had stopped fighting to keep his job.
People who spoke with Huang told Bloomberg that he had become remorseful and described himself as a piece of s—
. According to the report, Huang said he no longer cared what happened to him. His primary concerns were his wife and avoiding harm to the lives of women publicly linked to him. Bloomberg was unable to reach Huang for comment.
Jensen Huang’s Response to the New York Times
A day before his resignation, The New York Times contacted Huang about its report of a second affair involving an Nvidia executive. Huang ended the call after saying:
“I don’t think you should be talking to me directly.”
In a message to employees, Huang acknowledged that he had been unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family, colleagues and shareholders. The message came as reports about his personal relationships intensified scrutiny of his leadership at Nvidia.
Donald Trump Called Huang Before His Resignation
President Donald Trump called Huang on Tuesday and urged him to fight to retain his position, The New York Times reported, citing two people briefed on the conversation. Huang resigned anyway.
Hours later, Trump told radio host Stephen A. Smith that Huang had called him to express regret. Trump said:
“I spoke to him yesterday. He’s going through hell,”
Trump added that Huang’s greatest concern was his wife and family:
“What he feels most badly about is his wife and family. That’s what he told me. He called me.”
Asked whether Huang should have stepped down, Trump said the central issue was whether the woman linked to Huang was a spy. Trump nevertheless predicted that Huang would recover professionally:
“Somehow he’ll end up on his feet.”
Earlier in the week, Trump had publicly described Huang as an honourable man. Trump also said he believed Huang did not know about the woman’s alleged links to Chinese intelligence. China has denied the spying claims.
What Happens Next for Nvidia and Jensen Huang
Huang may face continued public scrutiny. He is expected to testify before Congress in the coming weeks, where lawmakers plan to question him about his relationship with the woman whom US intelligence reportedly suspected of being a Chinese operative.
Congressional lawmakers also plan to examine whether the relationship placed information about Nvidia’s most advanced chips at risk. The expected testimony could extend the controversy beyond Huang’s resignation and into questions about corporate security, sensitive technology and Nvidia’s governance.
Nvidia has appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO while it searches for a permanent replacement. Harvey Jones has become the company’s first board chair. In a message to employees, Jones wrote:
“Jensen’s contributions to Nvidia are profound,”
Why This Matters
Jensen Huang’s resignation creates a leadership transition at Nvidia while the company faces questions about personal conduct, corporate oversight and the protection of advanced chip information. The planned congressional testimony is expected to clarify what lawmakers believe Huang knew about the woman’s alleged intelligence ties and whether Nvidia’s sensitive technology was exposed to risk.
Colette Kress’s appointment gives Nvidia interim leadership as the board searches for a permanent CEO. Harvey Jones’s appointment as the company’s first board chair also introduces a new governance structure during a period of heightened scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jensen Huang resign from Nvidia?
Huang resigned after reports about affairs involving women linked to Nvidia and amid questions about a relationship with a woman US intelligence reportedly suspected of being a Chinese operative.
What did Donald Trump say to Jensen Huang?
Trump reportedly urged Huang to fight to keep his job. Later, Trump said Huang was “going through hell” and predicted that “Somehow he’ll end up on his feet.”
Who is leading Nvidia now?
Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress is serving as interim CEO while Nvidia searches for a permanent replacement. Harvey Jones is the company’s first board chair.
