Former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang agrees to testify before US Congress
The resignation follows reports of Huang's alleged ties to a Chinese intelligence asset and other personal controversies.
Jensen Huang, the former President and CEO of Nvidia, has tentatively agreed to participate in a closed-door briefing with House Republican leaders, according to reports from Times Now and CNN. The briefing could take place as early as next week.
The decision comes after Huang resigned from his position and his seat on the Nvidia board on Thursday. Nvidia did not provide a specific reason for his departure, though Axios reported the move followed allegations of extramarital relationships and an independent board investigation into his links to a Chinese businesswoman identified by US intelligence as an intelligence asset.
Representative Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that lawmakers are prepared to issue a subpoena if Huang refuses to appear. Representative John Moolenaar, who leads the House select committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said Huang's testimony is central to an investigation into how Chinese intelligence operated and what sensitive information may have been accessed.
Nvidia has appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent successor. Kress will continue her duties as CFO. The company's board named Harvey C.
Jones as the first board chair and stated that day-to-day operations and product roadmaps will continue without interruption.
The scandal has renewed discussions in Congress regarding limits on US chip sales to China. Moolenaar noted that Huang had previously been a vocal opponent of export controls. Senator Elizabeth Warren said the resignation does not absolve Huang or the company from responsibility regarding national security risks.
