Trump uses Truth Social to publicly back a successor after Huang's resignation

'A legend replacing a legend,' president says of Cook

Nvidia names CFO as interim CEO, begins formal search

Huang exits after 33 years amid spy, extramarital affair allegations

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Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook [Getty Images]
Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook [Getty Images]

Donald Trump has publicly recommended Tim Cook, Apple's executive chairman, to succeed Jensen Huang as CEO of Nvidia after Huang abruptly resigned amid a series of personal misconduct allegations. The endorsement has drawn significant attention as Nvidia searches for new leadership 33 years after its founding.

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Thursday (local time) that there is "only one person" to fill Huang's shoes. "Jensen Huang, who has done a fantastic job, has stepped down — and that person is Tim Cook of Apple," he wrote.

Trump added, "A legend replaces a legend," signaling that Cook, who led Apple for years, would be the right choice to head Nvidia.

The remarks came on the same day Huang announced his resignation after being engulfed in a string of allegations.

Huang had faced accusations of an extramarital affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy, followed by further allegations of a relationship with a female Nvidia executive who reported directly to him. He ultimately stepped down as CEO on Friday, 33 years after co-founding the company.

Nvidia's board named Colette Kress, the company's chief financial officer and executive vice president, as interim CEO following Huang's departure. The board said it has launched a formal CEO search and will consider both internal and external candidates.

Cook, whom Trump singled out as his preferred successor, has served as Apple's executive chairman since stepping down as the company's CEO on Sept. 1.

Cook also attended a state dinner Trump hosted at the White House on Sept. 24 in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump's remarks are also drawing notice given the ongoing controversy over US export controls on Nvidia chips to China.

Allegations have recently emerged that advanced Nvidia AI chips were illicitly re-exported to China through third parties, fueling criticism that the administration's export control measures have been insufficient.

With Trump publicly naming Cook as his preferred choice so soon after Huang's exit, attention is now turning to who will ultimately lead Nvidia going forward.

Nvidia's board has said only that it will review both internal and external candidates for the permanent CEO role. Whether Cook is among those being considered, and his own position on the matter, has not been disclosed.


sjy@heraldcorp.com