Trump Endorses Tim Cook for Nvidia CEO Role After Huang Resignation
President Donald Trump publicly called for Tim Cook to succeed Jensen Huang at Nvidia following the chipmaker chief's abrupt departure amid a scandal involving a suspected Chinese spy.
By Amir Navarro ·
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Tim Cook, the former chief executive of Apple Inc, is the ideal candidate to assume the role of CEO at Nvidia. The recommendation came shortly after Jensen Huang, the co-founder of the graphics processor giant, formally announced his resignation from the company.
In a post on social media, Trump praised Huang for his significant contributions before declaring that Cook was the only person suitable for the position. The president described the transition as a moment where a legend replaces another legend, highlighting the high regard in which he holds both technology leaders.
Cook has been out of the day-to-day leadership role at Apple since September, following a fifteen-year tenure as the company's chief executive. He currently serves as the executive chairman at the iPhone manufacturer. Neither Apple nor Cook provided immediate comments regarding Trump's suggestion.
The change in leadership at Nvidia follows a dramatic exit for Huang. The 63-year-old, who remains the fourth-largest investor in the company, stepped down as CEO and from the board of directors on Thursday. Reports indicated that his departure was triggered by an affair with a Chinese businesswoman whom US authorities suspect of spying for Beijing.
Nvidia has announced that Colette Kress, the company's Chief Financial Officer, will serve as interim CEO. The board is currently searching for a permanent successor and has indicated that it will consider candidates from both within the organization and the external market.
Trump has maintained close relationships with prominent US technology executives during his second term. Speaking on Monday, the president noted that he had a conversation with Huang, during which the Nvidia chief said he was unaware that the woman linked to him was allegedly a spy. Huang is considered one of Trump's closest allies in Silicon Valley, with their relationship dating back to at least 2025.
The political and business ties between the administration and Nvidia have been prominent over the last two years. Huang frequently voiced support for the administration's agenda and became a regular figure in Washington. His presence in the capital was often tied to Nvidia's efforts to secure approvals for selling advanced chips to the Chinese market.
The intersection of personal scandal and corporate governance has placed significant pressure on Nvidia during a critical period for the semiconductor industry. The company's move to appoint an interim leader while searching for a long-term solution underscores the urgency of stabilizing its leadership structure.
Trump's endorsement of Cook adds a layer of political interest to the succession process. As a figure who previously presented the president with a custom gold plaque commemorating Apple's American Manufacturing Program and pledged an additional $100 billion in domestic investment, Cook is well known in Washington circles.
As the search for a new permanent CEO progresses, attention will remain on how the interim leadership under Kress navigates Nvidia's strategic priorities. The outcome of this transition will likely have substantial implications for the US technology sector and its relationship with global markets.
