FBI investigating Nvidia chief's affair with alleged Chinese spy, Trump says
US President Donald Trump has said the FBI is investigating the affair between Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and an alleged Chinese spy.
Trump spoke with Huang on Monday after reports that the United States believed he had been targeted in a Chinese espionage campaign. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he asked Huang directly whether he had known the woman was a spy.
Trump said, "I asked him that question, 'Did you have any idea she was a spy?' He said 'I had no idea she was a spy' and I really believe him."
Trump added that Huang is suffering over the episode. He signalled his support for Huang and said he believes him.
The woman is Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le. According to a New York Times report, US intelligence officials believe she was a spy for Beijing.
China, however, has rejected the claims. Its foreign ministry said the allegations were entirely groundless, speculative and intended to smear and malign China.
Nvidia has commissioned an independent investigation into the affair. The company said it had no reason to believe its secrets or national security were compromised.
But later on Monday, Trump said the FBI was now looking into the issue. He did not elaborate on the probe or say when it was launched.
The scope and timeline of the investigation therefore remain unclear. With Trump offering no further detail, the matter now rests with the FBI's inquiry.
