Trump Says Tim Cook Should Succeed Huang as Nvidia’s Next CEO

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In a Truth Social post published at 10:29 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, Trump wrote, “NOW THAT Nvidia CEO JENSEN HUANG, who has done a fantastic job, has resigned, there is only one man to take his place - TIM COOK of Apple.”

He added, “A Legend replaces a Legend!” The message closed with his usual sign-off, “President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The post appeared on his @realDonaldTrump account and was archived at the same timestamp by Trump’s Truth, an independent record of his Truth Social feed. Outlets including CNBC circulated the text within minutes.

Cook Is Apple’s Executive Chairman

Cook is no longer Apple’s chief executive. He became executive chairman on Sept. 1, 2026, after 15 years as CEO, according to an Apple newsroom statement issued in April.

Apple’s board named John Ternus, then the senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, as Cook’s successor, effective the same day. As executive chairman, Cook was asked to assist with certain company matters, including engagement with policymakers around the world.

Trump’s post referred to “TIM COOK of Apple” and did not describe a formal appointment. The U.S. president has no role in Nvidia’s choice of a chief executive, a decision that rests with the company’s board.

Neither Cook, Apple nor Nvidia had issued a public response to the post by mid-morning Eastern time.

Nvidia Names an Interim Chief

Nvidia said Thursday that Huang had resigned as president, chief executive and a board member, effective immediately. A Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said the board accepted the resignation on Nov. 11.

Clash Report earlier reported that the board had named Colette Kress, the finance chief, as interim chief executive. Kress will keep her posts as executive vice president and chief financial officer while she serves as interim chief.

Harvey C. Jones, a director since 1993, was appointed the board’s first chair. The company said it is opening a search that will consider internal and external candidates. The statement did not give a reason for Huang’s departure.

Jones said the board has “full confidence in Colette and the leadership team.”

Shares Trade Lower After the Exit

Nvidia shares were down about 5.4% in mid-morning trading Thursday, at $164.28, after falling as low as $148.80 earlier in the session, compared with Wednesday’s close of $173.73, according to Yahoo Finance.

Apple shares were up about 0.6%, at $357.62. The chipmaker is scheduled to report fiscal third-quarter results on Tuesday, Nov. 17.