Trump Suggests Tim Cook as Nvidia CEO Successor to Jensen Huang

Trump floats Tim Cook as Nvidia CEO

President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should replace Jensen Huang as the head of Nvidia following Huang's resignation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "NOW THAT Nvidia CEO JENSEN HUANG, who has done a fantastic job, has resigned, there is only one man to take his place - TIM COOK of Apple. A Legend replaces a Legend!"

Trump also said there was "only one person" to replace Huang, who he said had done "a great job," and that person was Apple's Tim Cook, according to Walter Bloomberg's reporting cited by Bloomingbit.

Nvidia leadership transition

Nvidia named Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress interim CEO on Thursday while its board searches for a permanent successor, considering candidates from both inside and outside the company. Nvidia officially announced Huang's resignation that day and said there has still been no official announcement on whether Tim Cook will be appointed CEO.

Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993. His resignation followed reports of two extramarital affairs, including a relationship with a Chinese businesswoman whom U.S. authorities suspect of spying for Beijing. The allegations raised questions about whether the longtime technology executive could have been targeted by Chinese intelligence, given Nvidia's central role in the global artificial intelligence industry and ongoing U.S.-China tensions over advanced chips.

No evidence has been publicly established that Huang disclosed confidential information or that the woman obtained Nvidia secrets.

Tim Cook's current role

Cook stepped down as Apple's CEO on September 1, 2026, after 15 years running the company. He transitioned into the role of Executive Chairman of Apple's board of directors, which sees him continuing to engage with global policymakers and manage international relationships, including Apple's relations with China. John Ternus took over as Apple's CEO.

Trump did not indicate whether Cook had expressed interest in taking the helm at Nvidia.

Market reaction and other commentary

Nvidia shares dropped more than 4% as the scandal unfolded, according to Crypto Briefing. The stock was listed at 165.99, down 7.75, or -4.46%, according to Fox Business.

Prediction markets moved dramatically, with bets on Cook becoming Nvidia's next CEO briefly peaking at 91%. They later settled around 10%.

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Senior Associate Dean for Leadership Studies at Yale School of Management, penned an op-ed in Time on Wednesday, suggesting Cook should be among the potential candidates. He wrote that Cook has "an unparalleled track record of succeeding a bigger-than-life founder," in reference to Cook taking over from Apple founder Steve Jobs.

Trump had previously defended Huang, saying Monday that he believed the executive's account that he was unaware of the woman's alleged intelligence ties. Through November 8-9, 2026, he had described Huang as a "fine person" and an "honorable guy."

Why it matters

Nvidia is a leader in AI chip technology, and its longtime CEO was closely identified with that rise. The episode is likely to sharpen questions about how boards vet leadership at companies whose products are tied to national security. Nvidia's business is entangled with U.S. chip export policy toward China, an area where the administration holds real leverage. A president publicly weighing in on who should lead the company underscores how intertwined Nvidia's fate has become with Washington.

Sources

• techcrunch.com: Trump floats Apple chairman Tim Cook as Jensen Huang's successor | TechCrunch
• foxbusiness.com: Trump floats Apple CEO Tim Cook as Nvidia successor after Jensen Huang resignation | Fox Business
• cryptobriefing.com: Trump suggests Tim Cook should replace Jensen Huang as Nvidia CEO
• en.bloomingbit.io: Trump Says Apple’s Tim Cook Is Best Choice to Replace Nvidia’s Jensen Huang

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