Trump and Nvidia CEO Discuss DeepSeek and AI Chip Export Controls
US President Donald Trump met with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the White House on Friday to discuss China’s growing AI capabilities, particularly the impact of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company that has shaken the global tech industry. A source familiar with the meeting revealed that discussions also covered tighter restrictions on AI chip exports.
Although Trump did not disclose specific details, he described Huang as a “gentleman” and noted that the meeting was “good.” The talks took place amid growing US concerns that China is rapidly advancing in AI technology.
US Weighs Stricter Controls on AI Chip Exports
The US government is preparing to impose stricter AI chip export rules this spring to ensure cutting-edge computing power remains within the US and its allies. The restrictions aim to curb China’s access to advanced AI technology, a move that has been a key focus of both the Trump and Biden administrations.
Nvidia confirmed the meeting, stating that Huang and Trump discussed “the importance of strengthening US technology and AI leadership.” Sources indicate that the discussion was arranged before DeepSeek’s breakthrough but took on greater significance following the Chinese company’s sudden rise.
DeepSeek’s AI assistant, which launched last week, quickly became the most downloaded app in Apple’s App Store. The model’s efficiency—delivering high performance with less data and at lower costs—has raised concerns that China is closing the gap with the US in AI development. This triggered a stock market selloff that wiped nearly $1 trillion off US tech stocks, with Nvidia’s shares falling as much as 17%.
US Lawmakers Push for Stronger AI Export Regulations
The Trump administration is considering new limits on Nvidia’s H20 chips, which were specifically designed for China under existing US export controls. While discussions are still in the early stages, the proposal builds on policies initiated by the Biden administration, which had already restricted Nvidia’s most powerful AI chips, the H100 and H800, from being sold in China.
Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, leaders of the House Select Committee on China, have urged further restrictions. They argue that evolving AI threats from strategic rivals like China require a reassessment of US export policies.
Additionally, the US Commerce Department is investigating whether DeepSeek has accessed restricted US-made chips, potentially violating existing trade bans. The outcome of these inquiries could influence future policy decisions regarding AI technology exports.
As the competition in AI intensifies, the US government faces mounting pressure to protect its technological edge while balancing trade and innovation.
With inputs from Reuters
