Trump says the FBI is looking into the Jensen Huang matter, relays Huang's denial: "no idea she was a spy"

President Donald Trump said on Nov. 9 (US time) that the FBI is looking into Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's relationship with a woman U.S. intelligence reportedly suspects of spying for China.

According to the Associated Press and Reuters, Trump told a White House briefing that he had spoken with Huang by phone that day. "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. He added: "I know the FBI is looking into it in terms of something else, and I think that he'll be in good shape." The FBI has not publicly confirmed an inquiry.

The remarks drew pushback. The AP noted that Trump was suggesting an unusual personal role in a counterintelligence matter. Democrats Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries called for further investigation, with Jeffries saying, "We're going to need a full briefing, specifically as it relates to the Nvidia issue." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "The so-called Chinese spy allegation is unsubstantiated. It is nothing but smears against China."

Huang has lobbied the administration to loosen limits on chip sales to China, and Trump approved sales of the H200 chip this year. Nvidia shares hit a seven-month low on Monday. Trump is due to meet Xi Jinping next week at the APEC summit in Shenzhen and said, "I'm sure President Xi will ask me about it."