Trump Was Told About Jensen Huang Affair At Least Twice, Still Invited Him to China
Julian E. Barnes reports on U.S. intelligence agencies and international security for The New York Times. He has covered security issues for more than 20 years.
TL;DR
- President Trump was briefed on intelligence suggesting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had a romantic relationship with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy.
- This intelligence was communicated to Trump by Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Rubio during a flight on Air Force One.
- Trump's account of his knowledge of the relationship has contradicted reports, as he previously stated he was unaware of it during his China trip.
- The woman has been identified by U.S. officials as working for China's Ministry of State Security.
- Despite the intelligence, Trump invited Huang to join his presidential trip to China and defended him, stating Huang denied knowing the woman was a spy.
- The revelations have intensified scrutiny on the U.S.-China competition for AI dominance and Huang's influence on U.S. AI policy.
- Huang and Nvidia have maintained the relationship was with a client, but Huang recently acknowledged the romantic relationship, and Nvidia announced an independent investigation.