U.S. Won't Impede Access to Nvidia AI Chips, Commerce Secretary Says

Lutnick assures Senate that American companies will maintain access to advanced AI technology.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Trump administration will not restrict American companies' access to advanced artificial intelligence chips designed by Nvidia, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told a Senate hearing on Tuesday. Lutnick said the U.S. government recognizes the vast demand by American firms for these cutting-edge AI chips and does not want to impede their ability to obtain this technology.

Why it matters

The availability of powerful AI chips from Nvidia is critical for the continued development and deployment of advanced artificial intelligence systems by U.S. companies. Restricting access to this technology could put American firms at a competitive disadvantage globally in the race for AI supremacy.

The details

In his testimony, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick assured the Senate that the Trump administration has no plans to hamper American companies' ability to access the AI chips designed by Nvidia, a leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductor technology. Lutnick acknowledged the significant demand from U.S. firms for these powerful AI processing units and stated the government does not want to take any actions that would stand in the way of American companies obtaining this critical technology.

  • The Senate hearing took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Howard Lutnick

The Commerce Secretary in the Trump administration, responsible for overseeing policies related to American businesses and technology.

Nvidia

A leading semiconductor company that designs and manufactures advanced artificial intelligence chips used by many American technology firms.

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What they’re saying

“We agree that demand by American firms is vast for these chips, and we don't want to do anything that stands in their way.”

— Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary (Reuters)

The takeaway

The U.S. government's commitment to maintaining American companies' access to cutting-edge AI technology from Nvidia signals its recognition of the strategic importance of this advanced semiconductor capability for the continued competitiveness of the domestic technology industry.