Trump Proposes Former Apple Chief Tim Cook To Succeed Jensen Huang As Nvidia CEO

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 – United States President Donald Trump has suggested that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should take over as chief executive of Nvidia following the abrupt resignation of co-founder Jensen Huang on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Huang’s tenure at the artificial intelligence chipmaker before endorsing Cook—who stepped down as Apple CEO in September 2026 after 15 years to serve as Apple’s executive chairman—for the top job.

“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. A Legend replaces a Legend!” Trump wrote.

Leadership Transition at Nvidia

Nvidia announced on Thursday that Huang stepped down as president, chief executive officer, and board member with immediate effect after 33 years at the helm. The board appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress—who joined Nvidia in 2013—as interim CEO while retaining her financial duties as the company evaluates internal and external candidates for a permanent successor.

In conjunction with the transition, Nvidia also named board member and former Synopsys CEO Harvey C. Jones as the company’s first-ever Chair of the Board. While Nvidia’s statement did not detail the specific reasons behind Huang’s exit, the board had earlier launched an independent investigation into allegations that Huang had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation, though it maintained at the time that there was no evidence company secrets or US national security had been compromised.

Intensifying Congressional National Security Scrutiny

Huang’s resignation comes amid mounting bipartisan pressure on Capitol Hill over alleged Chinese espionage links:

• Closed-Door Congressional Briefing: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Brian Mast confirmed on Thursday that Huang has agreed to participate in a closed-door congressional briefing regarding potential threats to US national security. Mast indicated the session will likely be held under oath, transcribed, and video recorded, involving the Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and House Select Committee on China following a joint letter sent by Republican chairs last week.
• Democratic Calls for Classified Investigation: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for a dedicated classified briefing for members of Congress, noting that an earlier classified session this week focused primarily on Iran rather than Nvidia. Jeffries added that incoming House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Greg Meeks and incoming House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Jim Himes are spearheading Democratic inquiries.
• Senate Demand for Administration Accountability: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Congress to continue pressing both Nvidia and the Trump administration for answers, demanding clarity on what actions the White House took after learning of the allegations surrounding Huang.

Executive Transition, Endorsement, and Congressional Probe

Key corporate leadership changes, political endorsements, and Capitol Hill investigations include:

• Outgoing & Interim Nvidia Leadership: Co-founder Jensen Huang resigned immediately after 33 years; CFO Colette Kress appointed interim CEO and Harvey C. Jones named first-ever Board Chair.
• Presidential Endorsement: US President Donald Trump endorsed Apple Executive Chairman and former CEO Tim Cook to permanently lead Nvidia.
• Congressional Inquiry Scope: Joint House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Select Committee on China briefing with Huang under oath, alongside Democratic demands for classified national security briefings led by Rep. Greg Meeks and Rep. Jim Himes.
• Executive Oversight: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demands transparency on when the Trump administration learned of the allegations and what steps it took.

–NMT