Nvidia CEO faces US Congress subpoena over alleged China ties, affair

The New York Times has reported that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, already under investigation over a relationship with a woman identified by US intelligence as a Chinese spy, also had an extramarital affair with a subordinate executive at the company, as Congress prepares to formally summon him.

Citing five current or former Nvidia employees, the newspaper said the affair was with Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president for healthcare, noting that Huang, 63, and Powell, 48, are both married to other people.

According to the report, the two were seen together in a video filmed at a San Jose, California hotel during a company conference in March. The footage, recorded by an attendee, was allegedly confiscated by Huang’s security team, who then asked the individual to sign a non-disclosure agreement, sources said. The Times stated it had not viewed the video.

Nvidia’s code of conduct requires employees to avoid “situations that create conflicts,” including “personal relationships.”

When reached by phone, Huang told the newspaper, “I don’t think you should speak to me directly,” before hanging up. Nvidia declined to comment, and Powell did not respond to requests for comment.

Nvidia shares fell about 8% in after-hours trading following the report’s release.

Congress considers subpoena

Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to issue a subpoena to Huang to question him about his relationship with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, an executive at Megaspeed, according to Bloomberg, citing two Republican lawmakers.

Last week, the chairs of three House committees—Brian Mast, John Moolenaar, and Rick Crawford—requested that Huang appear before their panels for a closed joint briefing.

House Select Committee on China Chair John Moolenaar said Huang has until the end of Wednesday to respond, indicating a subpoena is likely if he refuses. Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast confirmed his panel is preparing the subpoena.

Last month, the New York Times revealed that US officials had identified Alice Huang as a “Chinese intelligence asset.” After Jensen Huang acknowledged the relationship, Nvidia’s board launched an investigation led by law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

China has denied the espionage allegations, and Alice Huang has not responded to requests for comment.