US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, 12 November 2026, that former Apple chief executive Tim Cook should replace Jensen Huang as chief executive of Nvidia.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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,” adding “A Legend replaces a Legend!”
Cook stepped down after a 15-year stint as Apple’s CEO in September 2026 and is now executive chairman. Apple and Cook did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Huang resigned on Thursday as CEO and board member after reports said he had an affair with a Chinese businesswoman whom US authorities suspect of spying for Beijing.
This is Trump’s suggestion only. Nvidia has not said Cook is a candidate, and the board will decide who becomes the permanent chief executive. Nvidia has announced that chief financial officer Colette Kress will take over as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor, considering internal and external candidates.
The New York Times reported that Trump had privately urged Huang in a phone call on 10 November to fight for his job. Trump said on Monday he had spoken to Huang and Huang told him he did not know the woman was allegedly a spy.
Last year, Cook presented Trump with a custom US-made plaque on a 24-carat gold stand after Apple said it would invest an additional $100 billion in domestic manufacturing.
Source: Reuters
