Elon Musk has publicly endorsed a petition calling for the return of Jensen Huang as chief executive of Nvidia, days after the longtime leader stepped down amid a personal and national security-related controversy.
On X, Musk replied to a post stating, “A petition is underway to reinstate Jensen and I’m signing it too.”
The comment quickly gained widespread attention, reflecting broader support among some Nvidia employees, shareholders, and industry figures for bringing Huang back.
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Huang resigned as Nvidia’s president, CEO, and board member effective immediately on November 12. The company’s board accepted the resignation and appointed Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO while a search for a permanent successor continues.
Nvidia shares had already declined sharply in the preceding days amid the unfolding reports. The resignation followed reports of extramarital relationships.
One involved a woman identified in media accounts as Alice Huang, whom some U.S. intelligence officials have linked to Chinese interests, though officials have not confirmed she was acting as a spy and investigations remain ongoing.
A second reported relationship involved Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare and a direct report. Huang previously acknowledged being unfaithful and apologized to his family and colleagues.
Supporters argue that Huang’s 33-year tenure transforming Nvidia into a dominant force in AI and graphics computing warrants careful due process rather than an abrupt exit.
An internal employee suggestion-box post urging the board to consider staff sentiment drew more than 1,600 comments, many expressing a desire for Huang’s return.
Public petitions have also circulated, with one open letter from current and former employees, partners, and shareholders calling for reinstatement pending an independent investigation and a fair hearing.
The letter emphasizes that accountability requires evidence and reasoned decisions rather than rapid removal. Musk’s endorsement adds high-profile weight to the effort. He has previously praised Huang’s contributions and, when asked whether he would hire him, replied that it “would be an honour.”
Other investors and technology figures have similarly argued that Huang’s leadership has been central to U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence.
Billionaire investor Leo KoGuan has expressed his displeasure with further investing in Nvidia, following Jensen Huang’s abrupt resignation as CEO.
The Indonesian-born Chinese American businessman declared that he will make no additional investments in the chipmaker unless its longtime leader remains at the helm.
Speaking on Huang’s departure, he said,
“In the next 3 years, nothing has changed on NVDA’s trajectory. However, I will reduce my planned investment in NVDA. Instead, I will invest more in other SI companies. I hope and plan to invest in Jensen Huang if he creates or buys si company. I hope he will offer me the opportunity to invest in his future company.”
KoGuan noted that he has already poured approximately $1.3 billion into Nvidia shares. The Singapore-based investor, whose fortune is estimated at $13.2 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, began building his stake in March 2026 after years of concentrating much of his wealth in Tesla.
Nvidia’s board is evaluating both internal and external candidates. Names mentioned in reports include Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas. In the meantime, Kress continues to serve as both interim CEO and CFO.
The situation remains fluid. Employee sentiment, market reaction, and the outcome of any ongoing investigations will likely shape whether the petition gains further traction or the board proceeds with a permanent succession plan.
Huang’s departure marks a significant moment for one of the world’s most valuable technology companies and the broader AI industry he helped build.
Looking ahead, the growing calls for Jensen Huang’s reinstatement could place additional pressure on Nvidia’s board as it navigates the leadership transition.
Musk’s endorsement may encourage more investors, employees, and industry stakeholders to support the petition, particularly given Huang’s central role in building Nvidia’s position in the global AI market.
However, the board must also weigh corporate governance, reputational risks, and the findings of any ongoing investigations before making a decision. Colette Kress’s interim appointment provides continuity, but prolonged uncertainty over the company’s leadership could influence investor confidence and introduce volatility into Nvidia’s shares.
Ultimately, whether Huang returns or the company proceeds with a permanent successor, the board’s handling of the situation will be closely watched by investors, employees, and the wider technology industry.