Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Joins Trump on China Trip
President Trump invited Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang onto Air Force One late Tuesday as he traveled to Beijing for talks with China's leader. Huang joined a group of over a dozen business executives during a stop in Alaska. The Nvidia leader runs the world's most valuable company, known for its dominance in Silicon Valley's chip sector.
Sudden Invitation After Omission
The White House published a list of 16 chief executives on Monday. That group included Tim Cook of Apple and Larry Fink of BlackRock, along with heads of firms seeking agreements in China. Jensen Huang did not appear on it. People in Silicon Valley and Washington took note of the gap.
Trump saw those reports and phoned Huang Tuesday morning with an offer to join, according to someone close to the discussion. Huang then flew to Alaska that evening and got on the plane during its stopover there.
Nvidia, founded in 1993 by Huang and others, produces graphics processing units central to artificial intelligence computing. The firm's chips power much of the AI expansion now changing economies worldwide. Governments and businesses everywhere seek them out.
Trump's Public Remarks
Stay ahead of the AI curve
The most important updates, news, and content — delivered weekly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Trump posted on social media about the addition. "Jensen is currently on Air Force One," he wrote. He described it as an honor to travel with the Nvidia chief executive, whom he named "the Great Jensen Huang," and other business figures. They head to "the Great Country of China where I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to 'open up' China so that these brilliant people can work their magic."
Huang built a close tie with Trump. He has served as a link for the administration between Washington and Beijing. For close to a year, he worked with officials in both capitals to permit sales of Nvidia's AI chips into China.
Challenges in AI Chip Sales to China
Debate surrounds those sales in Washington. Last summer, Trump allowed exports of an earlier version of Nvidia chips to China. He set plans to claim a share of the revenue. China approved no buys so far.
Certain Republicans back bills to narrow such exports. Last year, staff in Trump's administration stepped in to block sales of newer, more powerful AI chips. They cited national security concerns.
Nvidia holds a leading spot in AI hardware. Its products train large language models and run data centers for tech giants. The company reached a market value over $3 trillion at peaks, making it the top-valued firm globally. Huang, a Taiwanese immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, steers Nvidia through U.S.-China tech frictions. Trump, in his second term as of 2026, focuses on trade balances and tech access during this Beijing summit.
The delegation underscores business interests in reopening markets amid export controls started under prior policies. Huang's presence highlights Nvidia's stake in resolving restrictions on high-end semiconductors.