Nvidia Executives and Commerce Secretary Lutnick Summoned by US Senate Amid Tech Scandal

United States lawmakers have summoned former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify regarding their involvement in a scandal affecting the tech company. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott formally requested their appearance at a public hearing scheduled for December 3, warning that subpoenas would be issued if they refused. Jensen Huang resigned earlier on Thursday following revelations of extramarital affairs, including one with an individual suspected by US authorities of espionage for China. The company, a key manufacturer of advanced artificial intelligence chips, has experienced a significant market value drop, falling below $4 trillion for the first time since July 2025.

Amidst the unfolding scandal, President Donald Trump’s administration is facing accusations that Nvidia did not undergo sufficient scrutiny for its exports of advanced semiconductors to China. Furthermore, lawmakers have accused Lutnick’s Commerce Department of failing to place numerous Chinese companies on a US trade blacklist. Chairman Scott expressed his concerns on X, stating, “Recent reports raise serious concerns about our national security and the protection of sensitive U.S. technology. The American people deserve answers.”

In parallel, three other House committees have requested appearances from Huang and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter for separate hearings on December 1 and 2, also threatening subpoenas. Under Secretary of Commerce Jeffrey Kessler has been summoned for a hearing on December 3. In a joint letter, Foreign Affairs Committee head Brian Mast, China Select Committee Chair John Moolenaar, and House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford emphasized, “there are clear national security concerns that need to be addressed immediately.”

China has denied allegations of spying on the US. President Trump had previously defended Huang, describing him as “honourable.” Senator Richard Blumenthal has expressed concerns to Al Jazeera regarding reports of a $25,000 donation from Nvidia to the Trump administration. On Friday, China issued a warning that the intensification of US regulations on semiconductor exports could jeopardize global industry and supply chain stability, with a foreign ministry spokeswoman stating that Beijing “has consistently opposed the abuse of export control measures.” The Nvidia scandal has prompted US lawmakers to call for restrictions on the export of chip equipment to China.