Trump Suggests Tim Cook Should Replace Jensen Huang as Nvidia CEO

US President Donald Trump has suggested that former Apple chief executive Tim Cook should take over as head of Nvidia following reports that Jensen Huang has resigned from the chipmaker amid allegations about his personal relationships.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump praised Huang’s leadership and named Cook as his preferred replacement.

“Now that Nvidia CEO JENSEN HUANG, who has done a fantastic job, has resigned, there is only one man to take his place – TIM COOK of Apple,” Trump wrote. “A Legend replaces a Legend!”

Trump has no formal authority over Nvidia’s leadership appointments, but his public intervention highlights his close relationships with both technology executives. Nvidia is a central player in the global artificial intelligence industry, supplying advanced chips used to develop and operate AI systems.

Huang, Nvidia’s co-founder, has developed a close relationship with Trump during his second presidency. The president has treated him as an adviser and invited him aboard Air Force One during a state visit to China in May.

The leadership speculation follows allegations concerning Huang’s links to Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, who has reportedly been accused of spying for Beijing. Jensen Huang is not related to Alice Huang.

Trump defended the Nvidia executive earlier this week, saying he had not known about the allegations against the businesswoman. He described Huang as “an amazing guy” and said the technology leader was “suffering greatly”.

However, questions have emerged over when the president was informed about the claims. The New York Times reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Trump about the allegations aboard Air Force One in May, shortly before the president met Huang in Alaska ahead of their flight to Beijing.

Cook is also among the technology leaders who have maintained close contact with the White House since Trump returned to office. Although he stepped down as Apple chief executive in September, he remains executive chairman of the company’s board.

In August 2025, Cook appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office to announce that Apple would increase its investment in the United States to $600 billion. The announcement came as Trump threatened tariffs on technology products manufactured overseas.

Cook also presented the president with a specially engraved glass gift made by Corning, the company that supplies glass for iPhones. The piece was mounted on a 24-karat gold base, reflecting Trump’s fondness for high-profile gifts.

The presentation helped improve relations after Trump had repeatedly criticised Apple for manufacturing its iPhones outside the United States.

Cook accompanied Trump on his May visit to China and later attended a White House state banquet for Chinese President Xi Jinping in September. Huang was also among the technology figures present at the event.

Trump’s remarks have added an unusual political dimension to speculation about Nvidia’s leadership, although the company’s board and shareholders, rather than the US president, determine its executive appointments.