U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should take over as head of Nvidia, naming him as the ideal candidate to replace Jensen Huang following the latter’s unexpected resignation.
In a post on social media Thursday, Trump praised Huang’s leadership but argued that Cook was the only person capable of succeeding him at the helm of the artificial intelligence chipmaker.
“Now that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang – who has done a fantastic job – has resigned, there is only one person who can take his place: Tim Cook of Apple,” Trump wrote.
“A legend replaces a legend!” he added.
Cook stepped down as Apple’s chief executive in September after spending 15 years leading the technology giant. However, he has not left the company entirely and currently serves as its executive chairman, maintaining a senior leadership position at the iPhone manufacturer.
Trump’s suggestion comes as Nvidia faces an unexpected leadership change following reports surrounding Huang’s alleged personal relationship with a Chinese businesswoman who U.S. authorities suspect of spying for Beijing.
Neither Apple nor Cook immediately responded to requests for comment about Trump’s proposal.
Cook has maintained a notably close relationship with Trump, particularly during the president’s second term. One of the most visible examples came last year, when the Apple executive presented Trump with a specially made gift celebrating the company’s commitment to expanding manufacturing in the United States.
The gift was a plaque manufactured in the U.S. and mounted on a 24-karat gold stand. It was presented in recognition of Apple’s “Made in American Program,” following the company’s announcement that it would make an additional $100 billion investment in domestic production.
Huang, meanwhile, announced his resignation as both Nvidia’s chief executive and a member of its board on Thursday, following reports about his alleged connection to a Chinese businesswoman. U.S. authorities reportedly suspect the woman of having worked as a spy for Beijing.
Nvidia has already identified an interim replacement, announcing that Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress will take over as acting chief executive while the company navigates the leadership transition.
The development has also drawn attention to Trump’s previous conversations with Huang. On Monday, the president revealed that he had spoken with the Nvidia executive about the woman at the center of the allegations.
According to Trump, Huang told him that he had been unaware of the suspicions surrounding her and did not know that she was allegedly involved in espionage activities.
Huang has been among Trump’s closest allies in Silicon Valley, with their relationship dating back at least to 2025. Over the past two years, the Nvidia chief has repeatedly expressed support for the administration’s agenda and has become an increasingly familiar presence in Washington.
His visits and engagement with officials have coincided with Nvidia’s efforts to navigate restrictions on the sale of its advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.
