United States lawmakers have issued formal summons for Nvidia’s former chief executive officer Jensen Huang and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to appear before the Senate Banking Committee. The hearing is scheduled for December 3, with committee leadership warning that legal action, including subpoenas, will follow if the pair fails to attend.
The summons comes in the wake of Huang’s resignation on Thursday. The departure follows public revelations regarding extramarital affairs, including a relationship with a woman whom US authorities suspect of acting as a spy for China. The scandal has triggered a significant drop in Nvidia’s market capitalization, which fell below $4 trillion for the first time since July 2025.
Senate Banking Committee Investigation
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott stated that the investigation is necessary to address serious concerns regarding national security and the protection of sensitive American technology. In a statement posted on X, Scott emphasized that the American public deserves clear answers regarding the situation.
Scott noted that recent reports have raised alarms about potential lapses in oversight. The committee is examining the roles both Huang and Lutnick played in the events leading to the current crisis. Lutnick, who serves as the US Commerce Secretary, faces scrutiny over his department’s handling of trade regulations.
Lawmakers have accused Lutnick’s Commerce Department of refusing to place dozens of Chinese companies on the US trade blacklist. This alleged inaction is a central point of contention as investigators look into whether proper scrutiny was applied to Nvidia’s semiconductor exports.
Broader Congressional Scrutiny and Export Controls
The legislative pressure on Nvidia extends beyond the Senate Banking Committee. Three additional House committees have requested appearances from Huang and Nvidia General Counsel Tim Teter for separate hearings on December 1 and 2. These committees have also threatened to issue subpoenas if the requests are ignored.
Under Secretary of Commerce Jeffrey Kessler has been summoned to testify alongside Huang and Lutnick on December 3. A joint letter from the heads of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the China Select Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee highlighted clear national security concerns that require immediate attention.
The investigation has also touched on political financing. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern to Al Jazeera over allegations that Nvidia donated $25,000 to the Trump administration. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump previously defended Huang, describing him as honorable, even as the scandal unfolded.
China has denied allegations of spying on the US. Beijing has warned that tightening US regulations on semiconductor exports threatens the stability of global industry and supply chains. A foreign ministry spokeswoman stated that China consistently opposes the abuse of export control measures. Amid the fallout, US lawmakers are calling for stricter limits on the export of chip equipment to China.
Source: Al Jazeera
