Multiple US Department of Justice probes threaten to involve Nvidia, including an antitrust investigation specifically focused on the chipmaker, according to two administration officials. The development comes as fallout continues from the resignation of former CEO Jensen Huang.
The antitrust probe is focused on Nvidia, the two officials told Semafor. Two other inquiries center on tech companies Megaspeed and Supermicro, and have examined the involvement of Alice Huang, an alleged Chinese spy with whom Huang admitted to having an extramarital affair before he resigned.
There is no indication at this time that the DOJ would seek to charge Nvidia or Huang criminally.
A Supermicro spokesperson told Semafor that “Megaspeed is not, and has never been, a Supermicro customer,” and that Supermicro “has fully cooperated with US and Taiwanese officials, while also voluntarily providing information and engaging with all requests from Singapore authorities to date.”
The spokesperson added: “Supermicro maintains a robust compliance program and continues to work closely with authorities and industry partners to combat diversion and help protect American innovation.”
Spokespeople for Nvidia and the DOJ did not provide comment to Semafor. Megaspeed did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The antitrust probe against Nvidia, one of the world's most valuable chipmakers, could reshape competition in the semiconductor industry.
- The investigations tie together national security concerns, corporate governance, and antitrust enforcement at the highest levels of US government.
- The outcome may affect the tech sector's relationship with Washington and influence how companies handle executive misconduct.
Background
Nvidia is a leading designer of graphics processing units and AI chips. Jensen Huang resigned as CEO after admitting to an extramarital affair with Alice Huang, whom US authorities allege is a Chinese spy. The DOJ probes are the latest development in a widening scandal that has drawn in multiple companies.
Key Perspectives
Administration officials: Told Semafor the DOJ has multiple probes, including an antitrust investigation into Nvidia, and two other inquiries focused on Megaspeed and Supermicro relating to Alice Huang's involvement.
Supermicro spokesperson: Said Megaspeed is not and has never been a Supermicro customer, that the company has fully cooperated with US and Taiwanese officials, and that it maintains a robust compliance program.
What to Watch
- Whether the DOJ escalates the antitrust probe against Nvidia or seeks criminal charges.
- Any further disclosures from Nvidia or Huang regarding contacts with Alice Huang.
- How Congress and regulators respond to the widening investigation.
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe DOJ is probing Nvidia, and an antitrust inquiry targets the chipmaker.Semafor: “Multiple US Justice Department probes threaten to sweep up Nvidia. One of those probes, on antitrust grounds, is focused specifically on the chipmaker”
- SupportedTwo other investigations focus on Megaspeed and Supermicro amid fallout from Jensen Huang's resignation.Semafor: “as the fallout from former CEO Jensen Huang’s resignation continues to ripple across Washington. ... two other inquiries focus on tech companies Megaspeed and Supermicro.”
- SupportedMultiple US Department of Justice probes threaten to involve Nvidia, according to two administration officials.Semafor: “Multiple US Justice Department probes threaten to sweep up Nvidia, according to two administration officials”
- SupportedThe antitrust probe is specifically focused on Nvidia, according to the officials.Semafor: “One of those probes, on antitrust grounds, is focused specifically on the chipmaker, these people say”
- SupportedTwo other inquiries focus on Megaspeed and Supermicro.Semafor: “two other inquiries focus on tech companies Megaspeed and Supermicro.”
- SupportedThe Megaspeed and Supermicro probes have examined Alice Huang's involvement; she is described as an alleged Chinese spy.Semafor: “The Megaspeed and Supermicro probes have focused on the involvement of Alice Huang, an alleged Chinese spy”
- SupportedHuang admitted to having an extramarital affair with Alice Huang before he resigned.Semafor: “that Huang admitted to having an extramarital affair with before he resigned.”
- SupportedThere is no indication the DOJ would seek to charge Nvidia or Huang criminally at this time.Semafor: “There’s no indication that the DOJ would seek to charge Nvidia, or Huang, criminally at this time.”
- SupportedA Supermicro spokesperson said, “Megaspeed is not, and has never been, a Supermicro customer.”Semafor: “A Supermicro spokesperson told Semafor that “Megaspeed is not, and has never been, a Supermicro customer,””
- SupportedA Supermicro spokesperson said the company had cooperated with US and Taiwanese officials and provided information and engaged with requests from Singapore authorities.Semafor: “Supermicro “has fully cooperated with US and Taiwanese officials, while also voluntarily providing information and engaging with all requests from Singapore authorities to date.””
- SupportedA Supermicro spokesperson said the company maintains a robust compliance program and works with authorities and industry partners to combat diversion and protect American innovation.Semafor: ““Supermicro maintains a robust compliance program and continues to work closely with authorities and industry partners to combat diversion and help protect American innovation,””