It has been confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on Nov. 11, local time, with Jensen Huang (젠슨 황), Nvidia's former chief executive, one day before Huang resigned. Huang was reported to have opened up during the call about the impact of the scandal on his family.

Business Insider reported on Nov. 13, local time, that Trump said in an interview at the White House with Stephen A. Smith that Huang called him and spoke about his worries about his wife and family.

Trump said, "I spoke with him yesterday. He is having a hellish time." He added, "He said what troubles him most is his wife and family." Huang stepped down as Nvidia CEO on Nov. 12.

The resignation came amid allegations of an affair and controversy related to national security. In a memo sent to employees on Nov. 8, Huang admitted to his wife that he had "acted unfaithfully" and apologised. On the same day, Nvidia's board announced it would investigate whether Huang had become a target of a foreign intelligence agency's operation.

Additional allegations were raised afterward. The New York Times reported on Nov. 11 that Huang also had a relationship with Kimberly Powell, a Nvidia executive who reports to him for work. After Huang resigned, Reuters reported allegations of a relationship with another Nvidia employee whose name was not disclosed.

In the interview, Trump defended Huang but said whether the resignation was appropriate depended on whether the woman involved was actually a Chinese spy. He said, "If she was a spy, resigning is right. If she was not a spy, the situation could be different." Trump previously said Huang told him he did not know the woman was a spy, adding, "I really believe him."

Following Huang's resignation, Nvidia appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO and began looking for a successor. Trump also reiterated his earlier view that Tim Cook, Apple's former CEO, should succeed Huang.

The phone calls between Trump and Huang happened multiple times this week alone. Trump said he also spoke with Huang on Nov. 9 to check in on him, and the New York Times reported that in a Nov. 10 call Trump urged Huang to fight to keep his CEO post.