US Senate asks Huang, Lutnick to testify on Nvidia

United States Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott has asked former Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify over recent developments at the chipmaker.

What do we know?

Huang resigned from Nvidia after reports of a relationship with a businesswoman named Alice Huang, whom US authorities suspect of spying for China. China denies she is a spy.

"Recent reports raise serious concerns about our national security and the protection of sensitive US technology," Scott wrote on X. "I am requesting that Nvidia ex-CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testify before the Senate Banking Committee." 

Scott said he would consider a subpoena if Huang does not appear voluntarily: "The American people deserve answers."

Politico reported that Scott asked Huang to testify on December 3 and Lutnick on December 10.

How is Lutnick involved?

Lawmakers have also criticized Lutnick over the administration's refusal to add dozens of Chinese companies to a key US trade blacklist, and over its oversight of Nvidia's China exports. 

Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that the White House was discussing whether to push Lutnick out.

Separately, three House committee chairs told Huang and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter to appear for closed-door interviews on December 1 and 2, or face subpoenas.

"There are clear national security concerns that need to be addressed immediately," they wrote, Reuters reported. 

Nvidia investigates CEO after reports of affair with Chinese spy