Trump backs Nvidia’s Huang over spy allegations, says Xi may raise case

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang had told him he did not know a woman at the centre of espionage allegations was a suspected Chinese spy, and that he believed the technology executive’s account.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had spoken to Huang earlier in the day, as the chipmaker faces scrutiny over whether its founder was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

“I asked him that question. Did you have any idea that she was a spy? He said I had no idea that she was a spy, and I really believe him,” Trump said.

Asked whether he would raise the case with Chinese President Xi Jinping at their expected meeting next week, Trump said he did not think so, but suggested Xi might bring it up.

“I just know Jensen very well. I just think he’s a very honourable man,” Trump said.

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang admits to extramarital affair; board orders investigation

Trump’s account of the call marked a development from Sunday, when he told reporters he had not discussed the allegations with Huang. But he gave no clear timeline on Monday of when he himself first learned of the intelligence concerns.

China has rejected the allegations, with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun describing them on Monday as unfounded and intended to smear Beijing.

Nvidia’s board announced an independent investigation on Sunday into reports that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence effort. It said it had no reason to believe US national security or company secrets had been compromised, but would examine all available information.

In a separate message to employees, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife, apologised to his family and colleagues, and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Trump repeatedly defended Huang on Monday, praising his role in building Nvidia. Asked whether he knew about the alleged Chinese intelligence ties when he visited China in May, Trump said: “No, I didn’t hear about it then.”

Pressed later about what intelligence had been brought to his attention, he said he would have to check.

“I’d certainly check with the intelligence people,” Trump said. “Certainly, it didn’t make much of an impact on me.”

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The New York Times previously reported that Trump had been briefed on Huang’s relationship with a Chinese businesswoman and allegations that she was passing information to Beijing, but chose not to act, Reuters said.

Trump also expressed confidence in Huang’s position while acknowledging FBI involvement, although he did not explain the scope of its work.

“I know the FBI is looking into it in terms of something else, and I think that he’ll be in good shape,” Trump said.

The scrutiny comes amid debate over Nvidia’s access to the Chinese market. Huang has cultivated close ties with Trump while pressing to sell advanced artificial intelligence chips to China, where US export restrictions have sought to limit access to the technology.

“The military action doesn’t seem to be a very necessary thing, but we’re locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes,” he said.

Asked why he would not declare the conflict over, Trump said Washington needed to protect its regional allies and secure a lasting outcome.

“We want to make sure it’s a long-term solution, not just a short term,” he said.

Trump also defended his appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, describing the immigration hardliner as smart, tough and fair, and predicting he would work well with Democrats.

Asked whether he had instructed Miller to change deportation policy, Trump ruled out an amnesty and said enforcement would focus on “the worst of the worst”. He also acknowledged that some people living in the country illegally held jobs and paid taxes, without setting out what would happen to them.

“We want to get the worst of the worst and then we’ll see what happens,” he said.