‘Honourable guy’: Trump defends Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang amid Chinese spy ‘honeytrap’ scandal

US President Donald Trump has come to the defence of Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang amid allegations that he was targeted by a suspected Chinese intelligence operative through an alleged ‘honeytrap’ operation. Trump described Huang as an “honourable guy” and expressed hope that he would continue leading the technology giant.

“I have not spoken to him about it. I just know he's a fine person, but you never know what is going on. I'm sure—I hope everything's fine there. He's done such an incredible job, so I would certainly hope... He's a fine person, in my opinion,” Trump told reporters.

When questioned about why he had not taken action despite being briefed by intelligence agencies about the suspected foreign espionage network, Trump argued that individuals deserve the benefit of doubt.

“I think he's an honourable guy. I think he probably has an excuse for it, you know, and you have to hear it. No, you can't do that with people... He's done an amazing job for our country,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, Nvidia's Board of Directors has initiated an independent investigation into allegations that Huang was targeted as part of a foreign intelligence operation. The investigation will be overseen by a special committee comprising independent directors, with assistance from external independent legal counsel.

“The Board prioritises US national and economic security, which is paramount to the interests of NVIDIA and its shareholders,” the company said in a statement.

In an email to employees, Huang reportedly acknowledged having an extramarital relationship with a technology executive whom US intelligence officials have identified as a suspected Chinese intelligence asset. 

According to a New York Times report, the woman has been identified as Alice Huang alias Huang Le, who built a close relationship with Huang and was passing advanced Nvidia AI Chips and intelligence to Beijing.