US lawmakers seek testimony from Huang and Lutnick over Nvidia scandal
Senate and House committees are demanding hearings as allegations involving Nvidia raise questions about semiconductor exports to China and Commerce Department oversight.
By Luana Sato ·
Former Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have been asked to testify before the Senate Banking Committee as lawmakers investigate their roles in a scandal involving the chipmaker. Committee Chairman Tim Scott requested on Thursday that both attend a public hearing on December 3, warning that subpoenas could follow if they decline.
Huang resigned earlier on Thursday following revelations of extramarital affairs, including one involving a woman whom US authorities suspect of spying for China. Nvidia, which makes advanced chips used to power artificial intelligence, has since fallen below $4 trillion in market value for the first time since July 2025.
The controversy has also brought scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s administration. It faces allegations that Nvidia’s exports of advanced semiconductors to China were not adequately examined. Lawmakers have separately accused the Commerce Department under Lutnick of refusing to place dozens of Chinese companies on a US trade blacklist.
Explaining his demand for testimony, Scott said reports had raised serious questions about national security and safeguards for sensitive American technology. “The American people deserve answers,” he wrote on X. His request is among several efforts by congressional committees to obtain testimony about the company and government oversight.
Three House committees have also requested appearances by Huang and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter at separate hearings on December 1 and 2, with subpoenas threatened if they refuse. Under Secretary of Commerce Jeffrey Kessler has been summoned to a hearing scheduled for December 3.
The House requests were accompanied by a joint letter from Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, China Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford. They wrote that “there are clear national security concerns that need to be addressed immediately.”
China has denied allegations that it spied on the United States. Trump previously defended Huang, describing him as “honourable”. Senator Richard Blumenthal, meanwhile, told Al Jazeera he was concerned about allegations that Nvidia had donated $25,000 to the Trump administration.
On Friday, China warned that tighter US restrictions on semiconductor exports would threaten the stability of global industry and supply chains. A foreign ministry spokeswoman said Beijing opposed the abuse of export controls. US lawmakers have called for restrictions on exports of chip equipment to China amid the Nvidia scandal.
