Nvidia Chief Jensen Huang Encourages People to 'Move to California' Despite Billionaire Tax

The billionaire CEO says California's high taxes are 'okay' as the state considers a new wealth tax.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:25pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of gold bullion bars, a calculator, and a pen arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the debate around taxing the ultra-wealthy in California.As California considers a new tax on billionaires, Nvidia's CEO remains steadfast in his support for the state despite its high tax rates.Stanford Today

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang encouraged people to move to California despite the state's high tax rates, according to reports. Huang, who has a net worth of $163.2 billion, said 'Move to California. Don't leave. It's the highest taxes in the world, but it's okay.' His comments come as California considers a proposed 'billionaire tax' that would impose a 5% tax on those in the state who make over $1 billion. Some other high-profile billionaires, like Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, have moved companies out of California in recent months to avoid higher taxes.

Why it matters

Huang's comments highlight the ongoing debate around taxation of the ultra-wealthy in California. The proposed billionaire tax is seen as a way to fund the state's healthcare program, but has faced backlash from some of the world's richest people. Huang's support for staying in California despite the high taxes contrasts with the actions of other billionaires who have sought to avoid the state's tax burden.

The details

The California Billionaire Tax Act proposes a 5% tax on those in the state who make over $1 billion as a way to fund the state's health care program. Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have moved several limited liability companies out of California to Nevada, while Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison sold his San Francisco mansion for $45 million. Huang, who has a net worth of $163.2 billion, has not contributed to or formally affiliated himself with Democrats or Republicans, though he did donate an undisclosed amount to the construction of former President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom last year.

  • In January 2026, Huang said he 'hadn't thought about [moving] even once'.
  • In April 2026, Huang spoke at a Stanford event and encouraged people to 'Move to California. Don't leave. It's the highest taxes in the world, but it's okay.'

The players

Jensen Huang

The co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., a multinational technology company. Huang has a net worth of $163.2 billion, making him the seventh wealthiest person in the world.

Sergey Brin

The co-founder of Google, who has a net worth of $240.5 billion. Brin moved several limited liability companies out of California to Nevada last year.

Larry Page

The co-founder of Google, who has a net worth of $260.7 billion. Page also moved several limited liability companies out of California to Nevada last year.

Larry Ellison

The co-founder of Oracle, who has a net worth of $179.8 billion. Ellison sold his $45 million San Francisco mansion late last year, and his official residence is now in Florida.

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman representing California's 17th congressional district, who spoke at the Stanford event alongside Jensen Huang.

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What they’re saying

“I say to everybody, 'Move to California. Don't leave. It's the highest taxes in the world, but it's okay.'”

— Jensen Huang, CEO, Nvidia

“Silicon Valley is finally realizing what time it is. Dinner time. And they're on the menu.”

— David Sacks, AI Czar, Former President Trump

What’s next

The California Billionaire Tax Act is expected to be on the ballot in November 2026, where voters will decide whether to approve the 5% tax on those making over $1 billion in the state.

The takeaway

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's support for staying in California despite the state's high taxes contrasts with the actions of other billionaires who have sought to avoid the tax burden. This highlights the ongoing debate around taxing the ultra-wealthy, and the potential impact on California's economy and ability to fund critical programs like healthcare.