Republicans threaten to subpoena Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, demand his resignation

Republican lawmakers are intensifying pressure on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang over allegations linking him to a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, warning they will compel his testimony before Congress and, in at least one case, calling on him to step down. What began as a personal scandal has broadened into a debate over advanced semiconductor technology and US national security.

According to Fox Business, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar said Wednesday that he would likely issue a subpoena if Huang did not comply with a request for a closed-door congressional briefing or propose an alternative date to appear.

Moolenaar gave Huang until midnight that day to respond to the appearance request, warning that the committee would pursue a formal subpoena if Huang declined to appear voluntarily.

Earlier, Moolenaar had joined House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford in sending Huang a letter on Nov. 5, requesting that he participate in a joint closed-door briefing conducted by the three committees.

Congress is seeking Huang's testimony because of his relationship with Alice Ma, who is suspected of ties to Chinese intelligence. US lawmakers have raised concerns that Huang's personal connections — as CEO of the world's largest AI chipmaker — could expose advanced technology to foreign actors or allow foreign intelligence services to exert influence over the company.

In the Senate, calls have gone further, with at least one lawmaker demanding Huang's resignation.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, a Republican member of the Senate Banking Committee, which handles legislation on semiconductor export controls, told Politico on Wednesday that Huang should leave his post. Cramer described the situation as a "serious security risk," citing concerns that the CEO of a company handling technology as sensitive as Nvidia's advanced chips could be vulnerable to coercion or pressure from a foreign intelligence service.

"The potential for blackmail is just too great," Cramer said. "Given how sensitive Nvidia semiconductors are, I think he needs to step aside."

The moves by Republican lawmakers signal that they view the allegations surrounding Huang not as a private matter but as a national security issue. Nvidia's AI chips occupy a central role in US policy on restricting advanced technology exports to China.

It has not been confirmed, however, whether Alice Ma actually worked on behalf of Chinese intelligence, or whether any Nvidia secrets or US national security information were leaked through her relationship with Huang.

Even so, the political pressure on Huang and Nvidia is expected to mount as senior House committee chairs publicly raise the prospect of a subpoena and Senate voices join in calling for his resignation.