Democrats Seek Inquiry Into Lutnick Over Nvidia China Scandal

On November 12, Democratic lawmakers urged scrutiny of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over his department’s response to concerns involving Nvidia, its former chief executive Jensen Huang, and Alice Huang, a Singapore-based executive suspected by U.S. intelligence of spying for China. Jensen Huang resigned this week amid the allegations, which include a reported relationship with Alice Huang, who is not related to him.

Democrats Demand Answers on Lutnick’s Handling of China Spy Warning

On November 12, Democratic lawmakers called for an inquiry into Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s handling of national security concerns surrounding Nvidia. Their demands followed Jensen Huang’s resignation this week amid allegations involving Alice Huang, a Megaspeed executive based in Singapore suspected by U.S. intelligence of spying for China. The two Huangs are not related.

Rep. Ted Lieu said Lutnick should be investigated, alleging that he had received a classified warning about the reported relationship but failed to act. Rep. Ro Khanna also backed an inquiry and said officials should disclose what they knew. Khanna raised questions about Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s knowledge and involvement as well.

The scrutiny extends beyond the personal allegations. Megaspeed has faced suspicions of helping Chinese firms obtain advanced Nvidia chips in violation of U.S. export controls. A Commerce Department investigation begun in 2024 was later paused, and the company was not placed on the department’s restricted Entity List, despite other agencies’ reported support for that step.

A classified assessment circulated this spring reportedly concluded that China’s Ministry of State Security had recruited Alice Huang to gather intelligence on Jensen Huang and U.S. AI chips. Lutnick was among officials said to have received the memo before President Donald Trump’s May trip to China. The allegations raise questions about whether national security warnings were sidelined while chip sales continued.

Lutnick and Rubio have not responded to requests for comment. Neither has been formally accused or indicted in connection with the Nvidia matter. Democrats say they intend to investigate when they take control of the House in January; Republican support is uncertain. House China committee chairman John Moolenaar said Jensen Huang had agreed to brief congressional committees and urged Congress to advance export-control legislation.

Lutnick Faces Partisan Probe as Nvidia China Allegations Escalate

On November 12, Democrats seized on the Nvidia scandal to target Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, demanding an investigation before establishing that he committed wrongdoing. Jensen Huang resigned this week amid allegations involving Alice Huang, a Megaspeed executive suspected of spying for China; the two are not related.

Rep. Ted Lieu said Lutnick should face an inquiry, alleging he received a classified warning and did not act. Rep. Ro Khanna also called for transparency and raised the possibility of examining Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s role. Neither lawmaker described how an inquiry would lead to prosecution or removal, and neither secretary has been formally accused or indicted in the case.

The controversy concerns more than the reported relationship. Megaspeed, a Singapore-based Nvidia customer, has been suspected of diverting advanced chips to China. Commerce agents opened an investigation in 2024, but the work was later paused, and the company was never added to the department’s Entity List, even as other agencies reportedly pressed for its inclusion.

A classified assessment circulated this spring reportedly said China’s Ministry of State Security had recruited Alice Huang to gather information on Jensen Huang and U.S. AI chips. Lutnick was among officials who reportedly received it before Trump’s May China trip. The administration’s handling of export controls is now under scrutiny, including claims that Lutnick and his deputies resisted multiple presidential directives to crack down on chip diversion.

Lutnick and Rubio have not responded to requests for comment. Democrats say they will investigate after taking control of the House in January, but Republican backing is unclear. House China committee chairman John Moolenaar said Jensen Huang had agreed to brief congressional committees and called for cross-party export-control laws in the year-end defense bill.