US seeks answers from Lutnick over China concerns

AP Washington: US Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott sent letters on Thursday to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Nvidia 's former CEO Jensen Huang asking them to testify over recent developments at the company. Huang stepped down from Nvidia, one of the major engines behind the AI boom, after reports of a romantic relationship with a businesswoman named Alice Huang whom US authorities suspect of spying for the Chinese government. Also read: US yet to determine if Alice Huang was Chinese spy, Trump, Blanche say; FBI investigation underway In addition, a growing number of lawmakers have criticized Lutnick for the administration's refusal to add dozens of Chinese companies to a key US trade blacklist , and over whether the government was properly overseeing Nvidia's exports to China. "Recent reports raise serious concerns about our national security and the protection of sensitive US technology," Scott wrote on X. "I am requesting that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testify before the Senate Banking Committee." Live Events Spokespeople for Huang and Lutnick could not immediately be reached. Scott said he would consider subpoenaing Huang if he does not voluntarily appear. "The American people deserve answers," Scott said. Senior White House officials were separately discussing whether Lutnick should be pushed out, two people familiar with the situation said, as the desire to take action rose across ​Washington. Also read: US probes alleged spy Alice Huang over suspected Super Micro chip smuggling to China: Report House ⁠Foreign Affairs ​Chairman Brian Mast, a Florida Republican, told reporters on Thursday that congressional staff spoke with ​Nvidia on Wednesday night about a date and location to appear for a closed-door briefing with lawmakers. Mast and two other leading House Republicans asked Huang last week to brief them about his relationship ​with Alice Huang. China has denied Alice Huang is a spy and US Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Thursday that the Justice Department has not yet reached a conclusion on whether she is or not. Alice Huang could not be reached for comment. Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Nvidia Jensen Huang Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick China spy concerns national security US trade blacklist Alice Huang FBI investigation Senate Banking Committee US Senate (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Nvidia Jensen Huang Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick China spy concerns national security US trade blacklist Alice Huang FBI investigation Senate Banking Committee US Senate Explore More Stories Sass Jordan cause of death: How did ‘Racine’ singer die after cancelling shows over ‘serious medical condition’? Canadian rock singer Sass Jordan, voice behind ‘Make You a Believer’ and ‘Tell Somebody,’ dies at 63 Helicopter crash on Montreal’s South Shore leaves 4 dead; Transport Minister expresses condolences as probe begins Nova Scotia teacher charged with sexually assaulting student at school as police identify more victims Nova Scotia Crime: Teacher faces multiple serious charges, prohibited from public places after alleged assaults at Riverton school Psychology explains why people who dislike being interrupted may be protecting more than just their train of thought Powerball jackpot climbs to $313 million for September 21 drawing - Here's what Monday night's winner could take home Quote of the Day by Malala Yousafzai: ‘One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can…’ - How one person can spark global change with the simplest tools Quote of the Day by Thomas Mann: ‘Whoever loves the more is at a disadvantage and must suffer’ - Nobel-winning novelist on why the person who care more may have more to lose Quote of the Day by Anton Chekhov: ‘Every happy man should have someone with a little hammer at his door to knock and remind him that there are unhappy people, and…’ Gary Myers death: NASCAR legend dies at 76; sons mourn ‘hero’ who shaped four generations of racing Quote of the day by Rita Wilson: ‘Be fearless in trying new things, whether they are physical, mental…’ – Sleepless in Seattle actress on turning fear into growth Manager keeps booking 4:45 PM Friday meetings despite team logging off at 5, employee calls it a ‘Friday ambush’ and asks if it’s a power move 1 2 3