[Digital Today reporter Yoonseo Lee] U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned Tim Cook as Nvidia's next chief executive.

On Nov. 12, local time, IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that Trump named Cook as the successor to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump said, "A legend can replace a legend, and there is only one person who can take his place," pointing to Cook. The remarks came after reports that Huang stepped down as Nvidia CEO following an alleged improper relationship with a person identified as a Chinese spy and a senior company executive. Some observers also said the likelihood of it leading to an actual appointment is limited.

Cook stepped down as Apple CEO and now serves as executive chairman. He is also reported to handle communication with leaders of countries, including Trump. Given that role, the mention is interpreted as highlighting his steady leadership as a business executive representing U.S. industry rather than suggesting a real move to Nvidia.

The episode highlighted a sharp contrast between Apple and Nvidia in management succession. Apple showed a textbook CEO succession flow, while Nvidia was portrayed as suffering management turmoil due to Huang's repeated extramarital affairs. Trump's public remarks also came amid that turmoil.

Nvidia's board stressed it would continue business operations, customer commitments and the product roadmap without disruption even under an interim management structure. Trump publicly recommended Cook, but Nvidia's announced succession plan did not include any specific candidate.

Cook still retains influence at Apple even after stepping back from day-to-day management. As a result, even if Nvidia begins an actual search for a successor CEO, Cook's name is likely to remain a symbolic reference. For now, market attention is expected to focus on who Nvidia chooses to fill the management vacuum.