Trump wants Tim Cook to lead Nvidia following Jensen Huang's resignation amid scandal over alleged Chinese espionage
The suggestion came just hours after the chip company's co-founder announced his resignation, amid a scandal over his extramarital affairs and allegations that one of his mistresses was a Chinese spy.
Tim Cook, former CEO of Apple
President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Apple's former CEO, Tim Cook, replace Jensen Huang at the helm of Nvidia, following the resignation of the chip company's co-founder. Trump made the proposal on his social media platform Truth Social, just a few hours after Huang announced his departure from the company he co-founded in 1993.
"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!" wrote Trump, who had a close relationship with Huang.
Trump defends Huang
Despite the scandal, the president defended Huang on several occasions this week. He described him as an "honorable guy" and a "good person," and said he did not regret not having acted sooner on the intelligence information he had received about a year ago. Trump argued that Huang "probably has an explanation" and that he trusted his account that he was unaware the woman he was having a relationship with was an alleged spy. The president also confirmed that the FBI is investigating the matter.
Trump's suggestion that Tim Cook take over the position comes as a surprise, given that Cook remains Apple's chairman of the board and has not announced any plans to leave the company. Still, the suggestion could spark a debate over who should lead Nvidia at a critical moment for the artificial intelligence industry.
Huang's resignation following alleged espionage scandal
Huang's departure came on Thursday after two extramarital affairs came to light, one of them with a woman who, according to reports in The New York Times and other media outlets, had been identified by U.S. intelligence as a Chinese spy. Huang admitted to being unfaithful to his wife and apologized to his family and shareholders in an email to employees.
Nvidia's board of directors accepted Huang's resignation as CEO, chairman and board member, effective immediately. CFO Colette Kress will serve as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement, considering both internal and external candidates.
Key company for national security
Huang's relationship with an alleged Chinese spy has raised concerns in Washington regarding the security of sensitive information and potential foreign influence within a company critical to national security.
Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer called for Huang's resignation, arguing that "the potential for extortion is so tremendous" that someone with access to such sensitive chips should not remain at the helm of the company. The FBI is also investigating the case, and several lawmakers have requested that Huang testify before congressional committees.
Turning point for Nvidia
The question now is who will take the helm at Nvidia and how the company will manage the crisis of confidence sparked by the scandal. Trump's suggestion that Tim Cook take the reins is a sign that the president wants to ensure that the company is in the hands of someone with experience and credibility in the tech sector.
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