US President Donald Trump has suggested that former Apple chief executive Tim Cook should take over as Nvidia’s next CEO following Jensen Huang’s reported resignation, even declaring that there is “only one man” suitable for the position.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump praised Huang’s leadership before naming Cook as his preferred replacement.
“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,” Trump wrote.
He followed up with another remark: “A Legend replaces a Legend!”
However, Trump’s suggestion is not an official appointment. The US president has no formal authority to decide who leads Nvidia, leaving the company’s board responsible for its leadership decisions.
Why Jensen Huang’s Departure Has Attracted Attention
Huang’s reported resignation comes amid controversy surrounding allegations about his personal relationships and links to a Chinese businesswoman, Alice Huang, who has been accused of having connections to Chinese intelligence.
The allegations have attracted considerable attention because Nvidia plays a major role in the global artificial intelligence industry, supplying advanced processors used in data centres and AI development.
Trump had previously defended Jensen Huang, describing him as an “amazing guy” and saying that he was “suffering greatly” following the controversy.
The US president also said he had no knowledge of the allegations that Alice Huang was allegedly spying for Beijing.
Tim Cook’s Relationship With Trump
Cook stepped down as Apple’s CEO in September but continues to serve as executive chairman of the company’s board.
He has maintained a relatively close relationship with Trump since the president returned to the White House. Cook has been among several prominent technology executives who have engaged with the administration on investment, trade and manufacturing issues.
In August 2025, Cook appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office to announce Apple’s plans to increase its investment in the United States to US$600 billion (approximately S$777 billion).
The announcement came as Trump was threatening to impose substantial tariffs on technology products manufactured overseas, including products that could affect Apple’s supply chain.
Cook also presented Trump with a specially engraved glass piece made by Corning, the company responsible for manufacturing glass used in iPhones. The gift was mounted on a 24-karat gold base.
The gesture helped improve relations between the two, particularly after Trump had repeatedly criticised Apple for manufacturing its iPhones outside the United States.
Trump, Cook And Huang’s Previous China Visit
Both Cook and Huang also accompanied Trump during his visit to China in May 2026.
The two technology leaders were subsequently among the guests at a lavish White House state banquet hosted by Trump for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, in September.
Huang had previously enjoyed a close relationship with Trump, even joining the president aboard Air Force One during the May state visit to China.
However, the latest allegations have raised questions about the information available to the administration before the trip.
The New York Times reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had informed Trump about the allegations involving Alice Huang aboard Air Force One in May, shortly before the president picked up Jensen Huang in Alaska for their flight to Beijing.
The White House and the individuals involved have faced questions over the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
For now, Trump’s public endorsement of Cook has added another unexpected twist to Nvidia’s leadership controversy.
Whether Cook would ever consider taking on the role remains unclear, and Trump’s recommendation does not mean he will become Nvidia’s next chief executive.
Nvidia’s next leadership decision will ultimately rest with its board of directors.