Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R‑SC) has ordered former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify next month as Congress probes alleged Chinese access to U.S. chip technology. Scott warned he will subpoena Huang if he refuses to appear voluntarily.
Senate Demands Nvidia CEO and Commerce Chief Appear
Scott sent letters Thursday requesting Huang appear on Dec. 3 and Lutnick on Dec. 10, citing the committee’s authority over export controls. The panel warned it could compel cooperation with subpoenas.
In a post on X, Scott said recent reports raise serious national security concerns and the American people deserve answers. He emphasized the need for direct testimony.
Huang stepped down as Nvidia CEO Thursday amid intensifying scrutiny over his reported romantic tie to Alice Huang, a businesswoman suspected of Chinese intelligence links. The allegation adds pressure to the investigation.
Alice Huang, formerly an executive at Singapore’s Megaspeed, is under review for alleged involvement in diverting Nvidia chips to China. U.S. officials have examined the firm’s activities.
Scott warned in his letter that public reports trigger significant national security concerns and that the committee stands ready to use all tools, including subpoenas, if Huang does not comply. He set a Dec. 3 deadline for Huang’s appearance.
Scott’s letter to Lutnick stresses the Commerce Department’s central role in issuing and enforcing semiconductor export controls. He said the secretary’s testimony is essential for oversight.
The Commerce Department has resisted calls to blacklist Megaspeed, and officials question whether an investigation stalled after Nvidia’s general counsel contacted the department.
Lutnick faces mounting pressure from both parties, with senior White House officials debating his continued tenure, according to Politico. The discussion may lead to personnel changes.
House GOP leaders also sent a Thursday request for closed‑door transcribed interviews with Huang on Dec. 1 and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter on Dec. 2, warning subpoenas may follow.
The request also seeks testimony from Commerce Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler, who oversees sensitive technology exports.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department has not concluded whether Alice Huang was a Chinese spy, while China denies any espionage involvement.
Huang and Lutnick have not publicly responded to Scott’s demands as of Thursday evening. No public comment has been issued.
