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Alleged Chinese Spy Tied to Nvidia CEO Raises Security Concerns for Illinois Universities
A woman romantically linked to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for over two years has been identified as an alleged Chinese government spy, prompting scrutiny of the tech giant's partnerships with the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and the University of Illinois. Former federal cyber official Jake Braun warns that students and faculty in technology research are also targets of foreign intelligence services.
A woman who has been romantically involved with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for at least two and a half years has been identified as having worked as a spy for the Chinese government, according to reporting that has triggered reviews by federal investigators, congressional intelligence committees, and the company's board. The revelation is drawing attention to Nvidia's expanding ties to major Illinois universities and to the broader vulnerability of America's technology sector.
Nvidia, under Huang's leadership, has become a central player in advanced artificial intelligence, including technology with national security and defense applications. The company has also deepened its presence at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois through recruiting, internships, and research partnerships.
President Donald Trump said he personally asked Huang whether he knew about the woman's alleged espionage activities. "He said he had absolutely no idea that the person in question was a spy," Trump told reporters. "I asked him that question. 'Did you have any idea that she was a spy?' He said I had no idea that she was a spy, and I really believe him."
The FBI, congressional intelligence committees, Nvidia shareholders, and the company's board of directors are all examining the circumstances surrounding the relationship and its potential security implications.
Jake Braun, former deputy national cyber director in the Biden administration, told NBC 5 Investigates that the episode raises serious questions about corporate security awareness and the exposure of critical technology sectors. Braun noted that the federal government previously ran programs through the Department of Homeland Security designed to alert leaders in critical industries about foreign intelligence threats.
"We ran programs at DHS when I was there specifically to let leaders of critical industry know that they were targets and help stop exactly this type of activity from happening," Braun said.
Braun also pointed to Nvidia's university partnerships as a potential point of vulnerability. He said students and professors engaged in technology research and development should recognize that foreign intelligence operations are not limited to corporate executives.
"These students and professors and so on that you're referring to need to know that Nvidia is not the only target of the Chinese intelligence services," Braun said. "They are targets of the Chinese intelligence service as well."
He described the alleged targeting of American technology assets as part of a broader intelligence effort by the Chinese government.
When contacted by NBC 5 Investigates, University of Chicago officials declined to comment. The University of Illinois and Northwestern University did not respond to requests for comment before publication.
The scandal comes as Nvidia's role in the U.S. technology and defense landscape has grown increasingly central, making the security of its leadership and partnerships a matter of national concern. For Illinois, home to three major research universities that collaborate with Nvidia, the allegations underscore the need for heightened vigilance against foreign intelligence operations targeting academic and corporate research.