President Donald Trump has expressed support for Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang amid reports that a suspected Chinese spy targeted the executive. Speaking at a Halloween event at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump described Huang as a “great, brilliant person” and emphasized the importance of protecting talented individuals. However, he acknowledged that his administration would review the allegations “very closely.”
The New York Times reported that U.S. officials identified a Singapore-based executive with close ties to Huang as a Chinese intelligence asset. Surveillance allegedly documented a relationship between the two, and Trump was reportedly briefed on the findings last year but chose not to act. An Nvidia spokesperson dismissed the diversion allegations, stating they were “thoroughly investigated and debunked last year.”
Huang, who serves on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, remains in his advisory role for now. Trump indicated he would like Huang to stay on unless “we find out something to the contrary.” He described Huang as “very aboveboard” but acknowledged the complexity of the situation. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has called on Huang and Nvidia’s board to testify before Congress regarding the company’s China sales.
Nvidia’s shares closed 4.22% lower on Friday at $204.64 but rose 0.30% to $205.25 in extended trading. Benzinga Edge rankings indicate the stock has a Momentum score in the 65th percentile and a Growth score in the 98th percentile.