Congress is preparing a subpoena for Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to answer questions about his relationship with an alleged Chinese spy, Bloomberg reports. Two House Republicans confirmed the move after the executive missed a deadline to respond to a joint briefing request.

Key takeaways

  • Congress is gearing up to subpoena Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang over an alleged Chinese spy affair.
  • House Republicans previously sent a letter asking Huang to appear for a closed-door briefing.
  • Representative John Moolenaar stated Huang had until the end of Wednesday to respond.
  • Representative Brian Mast confirmed his committee is preparing a subpoena if Huang fails to reply.

Why is Congress targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang?

The push follows a letter sent a week prior by House Republicans Brian Mast, John Moolenaar, and Rick Crawford. They asked Huang to appear before their committees for a joint, closed-door briefing. The lawmakers want to question him about his relations with Alice Huang, described as a Megaspeed executive and suspected Chinese spy.

What are the details of the Chinese spy affair inquiry?

House China committee Chairman Moolenaar spoke on Fox Business on Wednesday, stating that Huang had until the end of the day to reply. Moolenaar warned that a subpoena would likely follow if Huang declined the briefing request. Mast, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also confirmed on Wednesday that his panel is readying a subpoena to send out if no response arrives. Nvidia did not immediately respond to TechCrunch requests for comment on the matter.

What happens next?

The committees involved will issue formal legal commands for testimony if the executive ignores the deadline set by lawmakers. This escalation puts pressure on the chipmaker leadership to address national security concerns raised by House members. Lawmakers intend to question the head of the firm directly regarding executive contacts tied to foreign intelligence suspicions.

Frequently asked questions

Congress wants to question Jensen Huang about his relationship with Alice Huang, a Megaspeed executive and suspected Chinese spy.

House Republicans Brian Mast, John Moolenaar, and Rick Crawford sent the initial letter requesting a briefing from the executive.

Representative John Moolenaar stated on Fox Business that Huang had until the end of the day on Wednesday to respond to the briefing request.

House committees are preparing to issue a subpoena to compel his appearance at a joint, closed-door briefing.

Nvidia did not immediately respond to TechCrunch requests for comment regarding the threatened congressional subpoena.

Based on reporting by TechCrunch. Read the original article