Howard Lutnick Faces Congressional Pressure Over Nvidia Chips

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is under intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers. The investigation focuses on the authorization of artificial intelligence chip sales to China, which total approximately 4 billion dollars.

The debate gained momentum following the resignation of former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. He admitted to a relationship with Alice Huang, who is identified as a potential Chinese intelligence asset. Lawmakers question how the government allowed the continuous flow of sensitive technology to companies linked to this scenario.

Senators such as John Kennedy and Josh Hawley expressed grave concerns regarding national security. They criticize the contradiction between the goal of winning the technological race against China and permitting the export of the very components that the Asian nation lacks.

The Senate Banking Committee requested testimony from Lutnick and Jensen Huang for December 3. Department of Justice investigations are also examining the operations of Megaspeed and Super Micro Computer amid espionage suspicions.

These geopolitical tensions heighten uncertainty regarding the global supply of semiconductors and the continuity of AI production chains. Severe export restrictions could reduce the revenue of technology companies and pressure the supply of advanced chips in the international market.