Nvidia chief's Taiwan image fades after FBI probe begins

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang faces a cooling reception in his birthplace of Taiwan following an FBI investigation into his relationship with a woman alleged to be a Chinese agent.

The 63-year-old executive spent his early years in Taiwan before moving to the United States for school. He has historically maintained a close relationship with the island, frequently visiting for business events and local engagements.

The shift in public sentiment began after a video of Huang and Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman, dining in Taipei in 2025 circulated globally. U.S. officials reportedly described Alice Huang as a spy, a claim Beijing has called unsubstantiated.

Local residents and business owners are adjusting to the change. Jane Hsieh, 70, who runs a tofu pudding shop in Taipei, displayed photos of Jensen Huang visiting her store. She expressed regret over the situation, noting his previously strong public image.

Hsieh said she would remain polite if he returned but admitted the dynamic would feel different. "My feelings toward him would be different," she said. Resident Jeff Huang, 72, observed that some customers are already asking shop owners to remove photos of the Nvidia chief.

Taiwanese authorities have moved to secure the island's borders. Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang confirmed that Alice Huang's entry permit has been revoked, barring her from future visits. She stated that the National Immigration Agency is cooperating with national security officials to investigate her time in Taiwan.

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng noted that Alice Huang entered Taiwan eight times between 2024 and 2025. She worked for HSBC and CITIC Securities before joining Megaspeed, a Singapore-based company that identifies as an Nvidia cloud partner. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said national security agencies hold full records of the pair's travel itineraries.

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the FBI is investigating the affair. He added that he spoke with Jensen Huang, who believes he did not know the woman was a spy. Huang has posted an open letter to Nvidia apologizing to his wife and the company. Authorities are currently reviewing questions surrounding Megaspeed and Alice Huang's activities.