Senator Blumenthal demands Howard Lutnick's resignation over Nvidia allegations

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D‑Conn.) on Tuesday urged Howard Lutnick to resign after reports surfaced that the senior financial executive allegedly helped shield Nvidia from federal oversight, a claim that emerged amid rumors that the chipmaker’s chief executive Jensen Huang had stepped down this week. Blumenthal said the alleged interference was unacceptable and that the official “must go” to restore confidence in the Commerce Department’s enforcement role.

The call comes as Nvidia faces mounting scrutiny over its rapid expansion in artificial‑intelligence chips and its dominant market position. Lawmakers have pressed the Commerce Department and the Federal Trade Commission to examine whether the company’s pricing and acquisition strategy violate antitrust rules. In recent months, the administration has signaled a tougher stance on big‑tech firms, and several congressional committees have launched inquiries into Nvidia’s business practices. The controversy over Lutnick, however, is complicated by the fact that he is not a cabinet member; he is the chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial services firm, and has no formal role in the Commerce Department. The confusion appears to stem from a misreading of a leaked email chain that mentioned “the Commerce office” in connection with a meeting Lutnick attended as a private sector advisor.

The White House has not confirmed any wrongdoing and declined to comment on Blumenthal’s demand. Nvidia’s spokesperson said the company is cooperating with any legitimate investigation and denied that Huang has resigned, noting that the CEO remains in his post. Congressional staffers indicated that the Senate Commerce Committee may schedule a hearing to probe the alleged lobbying effort and to assess whether current oversight mechanisms are sufficient for the AI sector. If the matter escalates, it could lead to stricter reporting requirements for tech firms and a broader debate about the influence of private advisers on government policy.