Nvidia chief courts Republicans amid debate over accelerating AI competition

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang held separate meetings Wednesday with President Donald Trump and Republican senators, as tech leaders push for policies favorable to the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector — including permission to sell some of Nvidia's top chips to competitors such as China.

Huang's closed-door briefing with GOP members of the Senate Banking Committee came as lobbying efforts and investment in AI surge, with companies projecting sweeping impacts from the technology. He and other Silicon Valley leaders argue that excessive restrictions could slow innovation, even as US officials grow increasingly wary of China's use of American hardware.

Speaking before his Capitol Hill meetings, Huang reiterated support for export controls while insisting US firms must retain global competitiveness. He said limiting chip performance for Chinese buyers would only push them away without hindering Beijing's progress. Huang confirmed he also discussed export rules with Trump earlier in the day.

The Trump administration in May rolled back Biden-era limits that blocked chip exports to many countries, and later approved a revenue-sharing deal allowing Nvidia and AMD to sell in China under a 15% US government cut — a move that divided lawmakers. Congress broadly views high-end chip sales to China as a national security concern and has floated numerous AI-related bills this year.

Republican senators described the discussion with Huang as constructive, though some remained cautious. Sen. Mike Rounds said the dialogue on AI policy was "healthy," while acknowledging differing views on export strategy. Sen. John Kennedy rejected Huang's credibility outright, saying his financial stake made him an unsuitable adviser on China policy.

Democrats, excluded from the meeting, criticized Huang's decision to meet only with Republicans. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she wants the Nvidia chief to testify publicly and explain why his company supports chip access for Chinese manufacturers over US firms seeking the same technology.