Trump suggests former Apple CEO Tim Cook replace Jensen Huang as Nvidia CEO

ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should replace Jensen Huang as head of Nvidia, following his resignation from the chipmaker, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Huang’s leadership before throwing his support behind Cook.

"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!” Trump wrote.

Nvidia announced Thursday that Huang stepped down as president, chief executive officer and board member, effective immediately, amid an independent investigation into reports that he had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation.

The company named Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress interim CEO, saying it would consider internal and external candidates for the permanent position.

Kress, who joined Nvidia in 2013, is expected to keep her current financial responsibilities while overseeing operations during the transition.

Huang’s departure marked a major leadership change at the semiconductor company, which he led for 33 years.

Nvidia has not publicly detailed the circumstances behind his resignation. Its board previously said it had confidence in Huang and had no reason to believe that US national security or company secrets had been compromised.

Huang’s resignation comes as he faces growing scrutiny from US lawmakers about an alleged Chinese espionage operation.

Anadolu reported Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Hill website on Thursday that Huang agreed to take part in a closed-door congressional briefing on potential threats to US national security.

Lawmakers are still working out the details, including the date and who will attend.

Mast said the briefing would likely take place under oath, with the proceedings transcribed and video recorded. Several committees are expected to participate, including foreign affairs, intelligence and the House Select Committee on China.

The request followed a letter sent to Huang last week by Mast and the Republican chairs of the other two committees, asking him to respond by Nov. 1.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that congressional Democrats are seeking answers about Nvidia, calling for a classified briefing for members of Congress amid concerns about potential implications for US national security.

Jeffries told reporters that congressman Greg Meeks, who is set to become chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and congressman Jim Himes, the incoming chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, are leading efforts to investigate.

"There certainly are more questions than answers," he said.

Jeffries noted that lawmakers received a classified briefing earlier this week, but said it focused primarily on developments involving Iran rather than Nvidia.

"We need a classified briefing made available to members of Congress as it relates to the Nvidia situation, and to the extent that our national security has been compromised, the American people deserve answers, and we're going to work to make sure that happens," he said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Congress must continue demanding answers from Nvidia and the Trump administration for the allegations, warning of potential risks to national security.

He called on the Trump administration to explain what steps it took after learning about Huang's alleged relationship. - BERNAMA