President Donald Trump has called for Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook to replace Jensen Huang as chief executive of Nvidia following Huang’s abrupt resignation.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that Huang “has done a fantastic job” and that “there is only one man to take his place which is the CEO of Apple.
He wrote,
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“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. A Legend replaces a Legend! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
The statement marked Trump’s first public reaction to the leadership change at the AI chip giant. Cook stepped down as Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026, after nearly 15 years in the role, and transitioned to executive chairman. His departure followed a leadership transition that brought John Ternus in as Apple’s new CEO.
In that capacity, he focuses on policy engagement and long-term strategy while John Ternus, formerly senior vice president of hardware engineering, serves as Apple’s chief executive.
During his tenure, Cook transformed Apple’s commercial operations and strengthened its position in the global technology market. Although he inherited a company Steve Jobs had already established, he expanded its business through operational efficiency, international market expansion, supply-chain management, and the development of recurring revenue streams.
Under his leadership, Apple grew into a multitrillion-dollar company, expanded its services business and established a stronger presence in markets beyond its traditional hardware offerings.
His ability to manage a complex global supply chain and maintain relationships with manufacturing partners also became a defining feature of his leadership.
These experiences could explain why Trump considers him a suitable candidate to lead Nvidia, particularly as the chipmaker navigates an important period in the artificial intelligence industry.
Trump has maintained relationships with both executives. Huang was regarded as one of his closest allies in Silicon Valley, and the two men, along with Cook, have appeared together at high-level events, including meetings involving Chinese officials.
Huang, who co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and served as its CEO for more than three decades, stepped down as president, CEO, and board member effective immediately.
The company has named longtime Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress as interim CEO while the board begins a search for a permanent successor. The board also appointed Harvey C. Jones as its first chairman.
Huang’s departure followed mounting pressure over personal conduct. Reports detailed an extramarital affair with Alice Huang, a businesswoman whom U.S. authorities suspect of ties to Chinese intelligence, as well as a relationship with a Nvidia executive who reported to him.
Huang had acknowledged being unfaithful in a message to employees earlier in the week and said he would cooperate with an internal investigation.
Nvidia shares fell sharply on the news, reflecting investor concern over the sudden exit of the executive who steered the company to become one of the world’s most valuable as demand for AI chips surged.
Nvidia’s board has said it will consider both internal and external candidates for the permanent CEO role.
Looking ahead, Nvidia’s immediate challenge will be restoring investor confidence and ensuring that the leadership transition does not disrupt its business momentum.
The company occupies a critical position in the global artificial intelligence industry, supplying the advanced processors and computing infrastructure powering AI development across major technology companies.