US lawmakers have summoned Nvidia’s former CEO Jensen Huang and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify about their roles in the ongoing scandal at the tech giant. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott requested their appearance at a public hearing on December 3, warning of subpoenas if they refuse. Huang resigned earlier on Thursday after revelations of extramarital affairs, including with a woman suspected of spying for China.
The scandal has caused Nvidia’s market value to drop below $4 trillion for the first time since July 2025. The company, a leader in advanced chips for artificial intelligence, now faces scrutiny over its exports of semiconductors to China. Lawmakers accuse Lutnick’s Commerce Department of failing to add dozens of Chinese companies to a US trade blacklist, raising national security concerns.
Three other House committees have also requested Huang and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter to appear for hearings on December 1 and 2. Under Secretary of Commerce Jeffrey Kessler was summoned for a December 3 hearing. Lawmakers emphasized the urgency of addressing national security concerns related to the scandal.
China has denied allegations of spying on the US. President Donald Trump previously defended Huang, calling him “honourable.” Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern over allegations that Nvidia donated $25,000 to the Trump administration. China warned that tightening US regulations on semiconductor exports could threaten global industry stability.