Jensen Huang's resignation as Nvidia's CEO on Thursday has not quieted congressional demands for answers. Lawmakers from both parties insist the former chief must still appear before Congress to address national security concerns stemming from his relationship with a woman U.S. officials believe was passing intelligence to China.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast (R-Fla.) told reporters that while he has often clashed with Huang, Nvidia remains vital to American interests. "I don't want to see anything hurt Nvidia," Mast said, but added, "He has some very serious questions to answer." Mast indicated Huang has agreed to a briefing, likely under oath, transcribed and video recorded, though specifics are still being negotiated.
Huang stepped down Thursday morning after a turbulent week. He admitted Sunday to an affair with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed, who is suspected of being a Chinese intelligence asset. The revelations triggered bipartisan calls for investigation, which have not faded with his resignation.
Lawmakers Demand Full Accounting
House China Committee Chair John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) said his team is in talks with Nvidia about Huang testifying. "I believe it's important that we hear from him directly, as soon as possible," Moolenaar said. He wants a deeper understanding of how much information Chinese intelligence gained, their influence on policy discussions, and any chip diversion through smuggling or remote access. "We want the entire picture," he added.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) welcomed Huang's resignation as "the right thing to do," but stressed that "now we have to get to the bottom of whether America's national security has been compromised." Jeffries, expected to become Speaker, reiterated his call for a classified briefing for all members on the Nvidia situation. Reps. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) and Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.) will lead Democratic oversight efforts. Meeks said, "We've seen the tip of the iceberg. This doesn't make it go away."
Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) told Fox Business that Huang's resignation "does not absolve Nvidia from doing a full investigation" and that the Department of Justice should conduct its own probe.
Trump Administration Under Scrutiny
Democrats are also pressing on what the Trump administration knew and when. The New York Times reported last month that President Trump was briefed about a year ago that Alice Huang was believed to be a Chinese operative. Trump reportedly did nothing with the information and even invited Jensen Huang aboard Air Force One in May. Trump has said he was told "not too long ago."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded answers from both Huang and the administration, asking whether officials were told not to investigate due to Trump's relationship with Huang. Reports also emerged that the Commerce Department paused its investigation into Megaspeed and possible chip smuggling to China, passing the probe to the DOJ, though neither agency confirmed.
As Congress prepares to take control, the spotlight remains on Huang and Nvidia. The company faces not only legal scrutiny but also questions about its internal culture and vulnerability to espionage. For now, lawmakers are clear: Huang's resignation is not the end of the story.
