Nvidia’s co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang resigned abruptly, triggering a leadership vacuum and market volatility. Huang stepped down following allegations of espionage, which led to his forced resignation. Colette Kress, Nvidia’s CFO, was appointed interim CEO. The company’s stock dropped sharply after the news.

Huang’s exit has caused a nearly $1.8 trillion loss in market value since Nvidia’s record high in October. Investors are now questioning the company’s ability to sustain its AI growth without Huang’s leadership. Employees have demanded his return, with over 1,600 comments on internal discussions.

Huang played a central role in Nvidia’s rise as a leader in artificial intelligence. His close ties with Asian chip foundries and financial backing enabled the expansion of global data centers. His sudden departure has raised concerns about Nvidia’s supply chain and ability to secure critical chipmaking resources.

The allegations against Huang were widely reported before internal investigations concluded. Critics argue the media condemned him prematurely. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has expressed interest in hiring Huang, calling it an honor. The situation highlights the uncertainty surrounding Nvidia’s future and the broader AI industry.