The White House official described Lutnick as America’s “most transformative” commerce secretary in recent history (File photo/AP)
The official’s remarks came shortly after Nvidia announced Huang’s departure from all his positions at the company.
US President Donald Trump is standing by his commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, a White House official said, following Jensen Huang’s resignation as Nvidia’s president, CEO and board member after confessing to an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy. Lutnick allegedly spent the past year working to “undo” efforts by other Trump administration officials to hold Megaspeed, an Nvidia customer, accountable. Speaking to CNN, an unnamed White House official described Lutnick as America’s “most transformative” commerce secretary in recent history. “President Trump maintains complete confidence in the secretary and his ability to carry out the position as the most transformative commerce secretary in modern history,” the official said.
The Singapore-based company is accused of illegally diverting US-made chips to China. The semiconductor giant has appointed Colette Kress, its executive vice president and chief financial officer, as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named.
The Board and the company thank Jensen for his immeasurable contributions to the company and the industry,” the company said in an official statement announcing his departure. “Jensen’s contributions to NVIDIA are profound. NVIDIA is one of the most consequential technology companies in the world.