Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took to the Senate floor on Monday to accuse President Trump of neglecting national security, after reports emerged that the president was briefed over a year ago about an affair between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy.
“The press reports that Trump was briefed more than a year ago that Nvidia’s CEO was having an affair with a suspected Chinese spy, and Trump didn’t do anything — anything — about it,” Schumer said. “Can you believe that?”
Schumer emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting Nvidia’s critical role in national security. “One of our most important companies, that’s involved in national security, and the CEO might be having an affair with a Chinese spy?” he added. “And Trump did nothing about it? What a dereliction of duty. He’s supposed to protect America, not China.”
The allegations stem from a New York Times report citing a 2025 U.S. intelligence assessment, which found that Alice Huang, the woman in question, illegally smuggled advanced AI chips to China while engaging in a “close relationship” with Jensen Huang. The report has raised concerns about potential security breaches at Nvidia, a linchpin in the U.S. tech sector and a key player in the ongoing AI arms race with China.
President Trump, however, defended the Nvidia CEO on Sunday, calling him an “honorable guy” and expressing confidence in his character. “I just know he’s a fine person, but you never know what is going on. I’m sure. I hope everything’s fine. He’s done such an incredible job, and so I would certainly hope he’s a fine person, in my opinion,” Trump told reporters. When asked whether he regretted not acting on the intelligence sooner, Trump added, “I think he’s an honorable guy. I think he probably has an excuse … he’s done an amazing job for our country.”
Jensen Huang’s ties to the administration have come under scrutiny, particularly after he accompanied the president on a trip to Beijing this spring. Nvidia remains one of the few companies authorized to sell certain AI chips to China, a privilege that has made it a target of congressional hawks. The CEO reportedly acknowledged in a message to his company on Sunday that he was “unfaithful” to his wife, following an initial denial by an Nvidia spokesperson. The company has since launched an internal investigation into the allegations.
The controversy is the latest flashpoint in the broader debate over U.S.-China technological competition and the integrity of American corporate leadership. Schumer’s remarks also come amid heightened partisan tensions, with some Democrats questioning his leadership. Recent developments, such as AOC declining to endorse Schumer, have fueled speculation about his political future. Meanwhile, Republicans have faced their own internal struggles, as seen in Jordan ousting Scalise as House GOP leader after midterm losses.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment. The Hill will update this story as more information becomes available.
