Trump Backs Lutnick as Nvidia Chip Scandal Draws Calls for Testimony and Investigation

The White House is standing by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick even as lawmakers in both parties criticize him for delaying action against companies suspected of diverting Nvidia chips to China. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned this week after allegations that he had an affair with Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed, a firm tied to the Chinese government. U.S. intelligence reportedly identified her as a suspected Chinese spy. Investigative reports say Lutnick received a classified memo warning him about the relationship. Republican Sen. John Kennedy said Lutnick should explain publicly why he agreed to sell advanced chips. Rep. Bill Huizenga said Lutnick should testify and that the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security has been less responsive than it should be. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly criticized Lutnick in a White House meeting last week. Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu said Lutnick must be investigated and that an inquiry will happen.

Fox News leads with an exclusive on Democrats. It features Lieu and Rep. Ro Khanna, says Lutnick, Rubio, Homan and Miller could face Democratic targeting, and calls the story a scandal for the Trump administration. The New Republic leads with Republicans turning on Lutnick. It quotes Kennedy and Huizenga, cites Politico, and adds Bessent's reported criticism. Both outlets cover the Huang relationship, the Megaspeed link and Lutnick's alleged inaction. They differ on who is pressing him: Fox centers Democratic calls for an investigation, while The New Republic centers Republican demands for answers. Axios and The Times of India lead instead with Trump backing Lutnick. Axios adds that the administration believes he delayed action, and that Congress sees an opening.