Trump Reportedly Urged Jensen Huang to Fight for His NVIDIA CEO Job Just Two Days Before Resignation

Donald Trump reportedly wanted Jensen Huang to keep fighting for his position at NVIDIA. According to a New York Times report, the US President personally called the chipmaker’s then-CEO on Tuesday. Trump urged Huang to fight for his job, just two days before NVIDIA announced his resignation.

Trump reportedly encouraged Huang to fight the NVIDIA board to keep his CEO role

The revelation adds another unexpected chapter to Huang’s dramatic departure. It also raises questions about how much Trump knew about the leadership crisis before the company made its announcement.

According to the New York Times, Trump spoke with Huang on Tuesday, November 10. Two people briefed on the conversation reportedly confirmed that the President encouraged him to fight for his position.

Huang ultimately resigned yesterday, ending his 33-year leadership run at NVIDIA. The company appointed longtime CFO Colette Kress as interim CEO while beginning its search for a permanent replacement. It didn’t come as a surprise because NVIDIA’s board was reportedly considering removing Huang. The leadership crisis followed allegations involving two women and concerns about possible Chinese intelligence connections.

The controversy had already taken a legal turn. NVIDIA and Huang are also facing a shareholder class-action lawsuit over alleged investor deception. The company also launched an independent investigation into the matter.

Trump later floated Tim Cook as Huang’s replacement

Interestingly, Trump did not stop at encouraging Huang to retain his position. Following the resignation, he suggested that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should take over NVIDIA.

In a Truth Social post, Trump called Cook the only person who could replace Huang, adding that “A Legend replaces a Legend!” Cook currently serves as Apple’s executive chairman following his departure as CEO in September.

Speaking of potential successors, NVIDIA has not confirmed whether Cook is under consideration. The board says it will evaluate both internal and external candidates. Trump’s reported phone call also highlights his close relationship with Huang, who has frequently met the President over NVIDIA’s chip business and US-China technology policy. All that said, it seems NVIDIA employees aren’t pleased by shocking resignation of Jensen Huang as hundreds of employees have appealed the company’s board to reinstate him as the CEO.