Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, is facing growing bipartisan pressure to testify before Congress amid a scandal involving Nvidia and potential export control violations. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., suggested Lutnick should appear voluntarily, while Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., urged his testimony “ASAP” to address concerns about chips being exported in defiance of President Trump’s orders.
The scandal has been fueled by reports of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s extramarital activity, raising suspicions that Nvidia chips may have been smuggled or illegally accessed by AI companies in China. Nvidia has maintained that it complies with U.S. export laws. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., demanded Lutnick explain why export control loopholes have not been closed, warning that advanced U.S. technology could be fueling China’s military.
Meanwhile, the White House has defended Lutnick, stating that the president has “complete confidence” in his ability to lead. Huang previously praised Lutnick’s role in advancing U.S. AI efforts, calling him the administration’s most knowledgeable figure on technology. However, top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee have also demanded answers from Lutnick over the approval of advanced AI chip exports to China.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., announced that Huang has agreed to brief lawmakers, though details are still being negotiated. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., are pushing for Lutnick to testify before Thanksgiving, arguing that he should address concerns while Republicans still control Congress.