New York, December 13, 2025
No confirmed reports as of December 13 indicate that President-elect Donald Trump has approved Nvidia’s sales of advanced AI chips to China. Recent rumors originating from social media platforms have sparked speculation, but official sources and industry stakeholders confirm that existing U.S. export controls remain firmly in place.
No Verified Approval Amid Social Media Rumors
Claims circulating on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) since early December suggested that Trump had given Nvidia a “green light” to sell high-end AI GPUs—such as the H100, H200, or Blackwell series—to China. However, thorough checks with Reuters, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Nvidia’s official communications, and U.S. government agencies reveal no substantiation. Nvidia’s latest SEC filings and investor relations updates affirm ongoing compliance with the Biden-era export restrictions.
U.S. Export Controls Remain Unchanged
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) continues to enforce bans on the export of Nvidia’s most powerful AI chips to China, citing concerns over their potential use in military artificial intelligence applications. These measures, introduced in 2022, have not been relaxed despite the recent election cycle. Nvidia’s own public statements, including CEO Jensen Huang’s November 2025 earnings call, reiterate full adherence to these regulations.
Historical and Political Context
Since 2022, the U.S. has tightened technology exports to China to impede advancement in strategic AI capabilities. Nvidia has developed lower-performance variants for the Chinese market, but even these face recent regulatory scrutiny. Trump, during his 2024 presidential campaign and post-election phase, publicly criticized Biden’s restrictive trade policies with China, advocating for reciprocal trade approaches. Nonetheless, no executive actions have yet been enacted, with Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Market and Geopolitical Implications
The possibility of lifting export restrictions could restore a significant revenue stream for Nvidia, which previously generated over $20 billion annually from China. Yet easing controls also presents geopolitical risks, potentially accelerating China’s military AI progress through technology transfer to entities such as Huawei and the PLA. Nvidia’s stock experienced a modest dip following the rumors but subsequently recovered after denials surfaced. The broader semiconductor sector remained stable amid this news cycle.
Looking Ahead
Industry observers and policymakers are closely monitoring developments expected in early 2026, including potential executive orders or Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews under the incoming administration. Figures like Elon Musk, an Nvidia investor and advisor, advocate for exporting easing to maintain U.S. AI competitiveness. Any future policy shifts will carry substantial significance for the global AI technology landscape.
As the inauguration approaches, official statements and government actions will determine the trajectory of U.S.-China technology relations, balancing economic interests with national security considerations.