US President Donald Trump stated that the FBI is investigating an affair between the head of Nvidia and an alleged Chinese spy. Trump told reporters on Monday but did not provide further details on what the investigation covers or when it was launched.
Earlier the same day, Trump had spoken to Nvidia's chief executive officer Jensen Huang after reports that the United States believes he was the target of a Chinese espionage campaign. The president recounted that Huang asked him directly: "Did you have any idea she was a spy?" According to Trump, Huang replied that he had no idea she was a spy, and the president added that he believes him.
The affair involves Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, whom US intelligence officials believe to have been a spy in the service of Beijing, according to the New York Times. Nvidia has commissioned an independent investigation into the matter. The company stated that it has no reason to believe its business secrets or national security are compromised.
China has rejected the claims that Huang was targeted. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the accusations are "completely baseless, speculative and aimed at smearing and slandering China".
Trump's comments on the FBI's involvement came after he confirmed the conversation with Huang earlier in the day. The president did not provide details on the investigation, nor did he specify when it was launched.
