WASHINGTON — Two U.S. senators have asked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to investigate whether statements made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang may have misled federal officials regarding the export of artificial intelligence chips to China, according to a letter sent Monday, March 24, 2026. The request follows recent criminal charges tied to the alleged smuggling of AI server technology.
The bipartisan letter, signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Jim Banks, R-Ind., both members of the Senate Banking Committee, raises concerns about whether Nvidia’s leadership provided inaccurate or incomplete information while seeking export licenses for advanced AI chips.
The inquiry comes shortly after the U.S. Department of Justice charged three individuals connected to Nvidia customer Super Micro Computer in connection with an alleged scheme to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of AI servers into China. Among those charged is a co-founder of the company, who was reportedly seen near Huang at an Nvidia conference last week.
In their letter, the senators pointed to comments Huang made in 2025 while Nvidia was working to secure approval to export chips to China. In one instance, Huang told reporters there was “no evidence of any AI chip diversion,” emphasizing the size and complexity of the systems involved. He noted that the Grace Blackwell system weighs nearly two tons, suggesting such equipment would be difficult to transport illegally.
In another statement cited by lawmakers, Huang said that companies and countries purchasing Nvidia technology were aware of restrictions and monitored compliance closely. He indicated that customers had a strong incentive to follow regulations in order to maintain access to Nvidia’s products.
However, Warren and Banks argued that these assurances may not have reflected the full scope of concerns at the time. They pointed to media reports that had already raised questions about potential illegal shipments of AI chips to China before Huang made his remarks.
“Those statements were not simply wrong in hindsight,” the senators wrote. “They were contradicted by reporting available at the time and potentially misled U.S. officials.”
The lawmakers have asked the Commerce Department to determine whether Nvidia’s statements or representations were materially false or misleading, and whether they influenced decisions to grant export licenses. They also requested an assessment of whether further investigation or referral is warranted.
An Nvidia spokesperson responded by emphasizing the company’s commitment to compliance with export regulations. “Strict compliance is a top priority,” the spokesperson said in a statement. The company also suggested that criticism of U.S. technology firms could inadvertently benefit foreign competitors.
The issue highlights growing tensions surrounding the global race for artificial intelligence dominance and the role of export controls in limiting the spread of advanced technology. The United States has imposed strict restrictions on the export of high-performance AI chips to China, citing national security concerns.
At the same time, U.S. companies such as Nvidia play a central role in the global AI supply chain, creating a complex balance between commercial interests and regulatory oversight. The outcome of the requested investigation could have broader implications for how export controls are enforced and how companies communicate with regulators.
As demand for AI technology continues to surge worldwide, scrutiny over its distribution and use is expected to intensify, particularly in sensitive markets such as China.