Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss key issues related to artificial intelligence (AI), including proposed export restrictions on AI chips and the future of AI regulation in the U.S.
The meeting took place as lawmakers continue to debate whether to include provisions regulating AI chip exports in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One such measure, the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence Act (GAIN AI Act), would prioritize U.S. access to high-performance AI chips before allowing sales to foreign nations such as China.
Huang, while reiterating his support for general export controls to protect U.S. technological advantage, voiced opposition to the GAIN AI Act. Speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill, he warned that the measure could negatively impact the U.S. AI industry, stating, “The GAIN AI Act is even more detrimental to the United States than the AI Diffusion Act.”
This follows earlier controversy surrounding comments Huang made at the Financial Times’ Future of AI Summit, where he reportedly suggested China was positioned to win the AI race due to lower energy costs and fewer regulatory barriers. After public backlash, Huang clarified his position, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that “it’s vital America wins by racing ahead and winning developers worldwide.”
During Wednesday’s meeting, Huang also criticized the concept of individual states crafting their own AI regulations, calling the idea a potential national security concern. “State-by-state AI regulation would drag this industry into a halt,” Huang said, advocating instead for unified federal regulation to ensure the U.S. remains competitive on the global stage.
Huang recently praised President Trump during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, describing him as a strong listener who remembers details from past conversations. “He surprised me. First of all, he’s an incredibly good listener,” Huang said. Rogan agreed, commenting that Trump’s direct communication style makes him “like an anti-politician in a lot of ways.”
