Nvidia’s CEO declines Senate testimony on China’s AI chip business

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has declined a Senate Banking Committee invitation to testify about the company’s China business. Sen. Elizabeth Warren invited Huang to appear at a Thursday hearing on American AI development and technology leadership.

• Jensen Huang declined Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s invitation to testify before the Senate Banking Committee.
• Warren asked Huang to address Nvidia’s China business and its views on U.S. AI chip export controls.
• Huang offered to host lawmakers at Nvidia’s Santa Clara headquarters for private discussions.

Huang said he could not attend, but he offered to host committee members at Nvidia’s headquarters. The exchange comes as lawmakers review export controls on advanced AI chips.

Warren seeks answers on Nvidia China sales

According to Warren’s office, the hearing will focus on AI innovation, affordability, and U.S. technological leadership. Warren asked Huang to discuss Nvidia’s China business and its position on export controls. Those controls restrict sales of advanced American technology to foreign markets. 

Policymakers continue debating how far the U.S. should limit AI chip exports. Nvidia remains central to that debate because its chips power many advanced AI systems. Warren said Huang should answer questions in a public setting. 

“I appreciate Mr. Huang’s response, but the American people deserve answers in a public forum,” she said. Warren said Nvidia sits at the center of questions involving AI, economic competition, and national security. She also criticized Huang’s foreign and political engagements. Her statement cited his attendance at a Mar-a-Lago dinner and meetings in China.

Huang defends Nvidia’s AI role

In his letter to Warren, Huang said Nvidia appreciated the committee’s focus on American AI leadership. He wrote that Nvidia built and delivered the first AI supercomputer to American researchers over a decade ago. Huang said the company has supported researchers, universities, startups, and businesses since then. He also said Nvidia remains committed to U.S. leadership in AI-related technologies. However, he told Warren he would be “unable to attend” the hearing.

Huang added that American AI leadership requires continued attention. “American leadership in AI technologies cannot be taken for granted,” he wrote. He also said Nvidia believes in the American system and remains confident about the future. Huang then invited Warren and committee members to Nvidia’s Santa Clara headquarters. He said they could discuss Nvidia’s technology and the American AI ecosystem there.

Export controls remain under scrutiny

Huang has repeatedly urged U.S. officials to let American firms compete in China and other markets. He sits on President Donald Trump’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. During Trump’s May trip to Beijing, Huang joined a group of CEOs who accompanied the president. The trip included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. AI chip export policy remained one of the issues surrounding the visit.

In December, Huang told reporters that U.S. firms should offer competitive chips to China. “We should ensure that American companies have the best and the most and first,” he said. He also said American companies should offer the most competitive chips possible to the Chinese market. Warren criticized those comments at the time. She said Huang’s lobbying could help China’s military and weaken American technology leadership.Nvidia has not announced a new appearance before the Senate Banking Committee.

The Thursday hearing will proceed without Huang’s testimony. Lawmakers are expected to keep reviewing AI export rules and Nvidia’s overseas business. The committee has not announced whether it will issue another invitation. Huang’s letter left open the option of private discussions at Nvidia’s California headquarters.