Trump Hints at Awareness of Jensen Huang's Personal Issues During Press Briefing

During a White House press conference, President Trump avoided providing specific details regarding when he became aware of the affair involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

President Trump held a White House briefing earlier today, addressing questions regarding his knowledge of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s affair with an alleged Chinese spy. Huang disclosed over the weekend that he had been "unfaithful" to his wife, and the company has since initiated an investigation.

Recent reports from The New York Times suggest that President Trump was aware of the relationship between Jensen Huang and Alice Huang, the suspected spy, prior to its public revelation. The Times noted in October that Trump was briefed roughly a year ago on intelligence regarding their close bond but took no further action. Additionally, yesterday's reports indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio assisted in drafting a memo regarding the relationship before Trump's visit to China in May.

During the press conference, Trump remained non-specific about the timeline of his awareness. However, he stated that Huang informed him today that he had "no idea" the individual was a spy.

The following are excerpts from President Trump’s responses to questions about Jensen Huang during today's briefing. A replay of the event is available on MS Now’s YouTube channel.

When were you first informed of an issue regarding Jensen Huang’s affair, and what information was presented to you at that time?

I would say that upon first hearing about it, I was amazed because I view him as a very high-quality person. I have known him for a long time. He runs the largest, by value, one of the largest companies in the world. He achieved that with a chip. When you think about it, you have a chip that is 10 years ahead and cannot be copied—the Blackwell chip cannot even be copied. He is an amazing guy.

I just hope there is no problem. If there is, we will let you know. I hope there is no problem. I believe he is suffering greatly. I read his statement, and I believe he is suffering, especially for his family. His wife whom he loves and his family. But he is definitely suffering.

Just to follow up on the question regarding when you were first told of these potential issues with Mr. Huang, you did not answer that question.

Well, I have been hearing about it and reading about it over a period of time, but not too long ago.

We will look into it. I know the FBI is looking into it regarding other matters. I think he will be in good shape.

Are you going to raise the case of Jensen Huang with President Xi when you visit him next week?

No, I don’t think so. Maybe, I’m sure, President Xi will ask me about it. I just know Jensen very well. I just think he is a very honorable man. He built a great American company. I think he is a very honorable guy. I feel very confident he will be in good shape.

Sticking with Jensen Huang, when you went to China earlier this year in May, did you know about these alleged ties to the spy then?

No, I didn't hear about it then. But a lot of people have heard about it. And Jensen totally denies it. I asked him today because I spoke to him to see how he is, and I asked him about that. He said he had absolutely no idea the person in question was a spy. 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.

I want to put a finer point on when exactly you were made aware of the intelligence regarding Jensen Huang.

Oh, I’d have to check. But this has been going on...

But there are reports that Secretary Rubio put an intelligence memo out last year. Did you read that memo?

I would certainly check with the intelligence people. It could have been mentioned. Certainly it didn't make much of an impact on me.

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