Did Trump pressure Nvidia's CEO to join his trip?

May 13, 2026

Speculation that Trump personally pushed Nvidia's CEO to join a high-profile diplomatic trip, framed as a savvy power move — neutral for markets, mildly positive for US-China chip deal optics.

  • The panel agrees Trump almost certainly called Nvidia's CEO directly and told him to get on the plane.
  • The trip is seen as a major meeting where having top tech CEOs along boosts US leverage.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly said Q1 next year would look better if more chips were sold to China, hinting at the deal angle.
  • Trump likely reminded the CEO of past favors rather than openly threatening him.

Outlook: Expect more chip-sale announcements with China tied to this trip, with Nvidia at the center.

← Latest · Archive