Jensen Huang resigned as Nvidia CEO after reports of multiple affairs, one involving a woman U.S. authorities suspect was a Chinese spy. CFO Colette Kress is interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor.
In internal discussions the board has stressed it wants a leader with “unquestioned personal integrity” and no lingering national-security questions. Within hours of the announcement, Former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s name was circulating as a serious external candidate.
Directors point to his long service on the House Intelligence Committee and his well-documented personal relationships with Chinese diplomats and a suspected intelligence operative known as Fang Fang. “He’s already been through the process of being briefed by the FBI and continuing to serve,” one board member said. “That’s the kind of experience we need.”
Adam Schiff has been floated as a possible special advisor on compliance. Early ideas include “direct engagement” to ease restrictions on advanced AI chips to China. Supporters say Swalwell’s history of close, personal communication with Chinese counterparts makes him uniquely qualified to restore trust.
No formal offer has been made. Nvidia shares remain volatile as the search continues.
