Trump says he does not recall when he learned of Jensen Huang affair

President Trump held a White House press briefing on November 9, 2026, and responded to questions about Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s relationship with an alleged Chinese spy, Alice Huang.

The New York Times reported in October that Trump had been briefed roughly a year ago on intelligence that Huang and Alice Huang had developed a close relationship, and that he did not act on the information. The New York Times also reported yesterday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped draft a memo to Trump officials about the relationship before Trump visited China in May.

At the press conference, Trump was not specific about when he learned of the affair. When asked when he was first informed, Trump said: "Well I’ve been hearing about it, and I’ve been reading a little bit about it over a period of time. But, not too long ago."

When pressed on the timing, Trump said: "Oh, I’d have to check. But this has been going on…"

Asked whether he read an intelligence memo from Secretary Rubio, Trump said: "I’d certainly check with the intelligence people. It could have been mentioned. Certainly it didn’t make much of an impact on me."

Trump said he spoke to Huang today and asked whether he knew the person was a spy. Trump said Huang told him: "I had no idea that she was a spy." Trump added: "And I really believe him."

Trump said he does not plan to bring up the case with President Xi when he visits with him next week, saying: "No, I don’t think so. Maybe, I’m sure, President Xi will ask me about it."

Huang said this weekend that he had been unfaithful to his wife, and Nvidia has opened an investigation into Huang.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.