Bessent Gives Nvidia 10 Days to Address Export-Control Questions

What happened

On November 15, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on Nvidia to appoint a new chief executive from outside the company and gave the board 10 days to respond to questions about export-control compliance. This comes after Jensen Huang resigned as Nvidia's president, CEO, and board member on November 12, 2026. Colette Kress was named interim CEO, and the board began a search for a permanent replacement, considering both internal and external candidates. At the same time, Nvidia faces an independent investigation into national-security concerns related to its export practices.

Key details

• Scott Bessent set a 10-day deadline for Nvidia's board to answer export-control compliance questions.
• Jensen Huang resigned from all Nvidia leadership roles on November 12, 2026.
• Colette Kress is serving as interim CEO while also being executive vice president and CFO.
• Harvey C. Jones was appointed as Nvidia's first board chair.
• Congressional leaders have requested records related to Nvidia's export-license applications and communications.

Why it matters

Nvidia's board and leadership must quickly address regulatory compliance issues while managing a major executive transition. Investors, customers, and regulators are affected by the uncertainty around export approvals and due diligence for international sales. The board faces immediate pressure to respond to government demands and to select a new CEO, which could impact Nvidia's operations and its ability to meet regulatory requirements.