The reported Nvidia CEO succession discussion centers on Bessent’s call for an external candidate and his demand that the board and outside counsel address export-compliance questions within 10 days.

“This makes me think that as the board conducts a search for a new leader that they need to go outside the company,” Bessent told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, according to the report. He argued that developments inside the company required “a dramatic shakeup.”

Export compliance questions

Bessent also called on Nvidia’s board and its outside counsel to answer questions about the company’s culture of compliance with export restrictions within the next 10 days. The report did not specify what questions would be put to the board or counsel.

The account described Huang as having stepped down on Thursday following revelations about extramarital affairs, including an alleged relationship involving a suspected Chinese spy.

Reported search for a successor

The Financial Times reported on Friday that Nvidia’s board had approached Rene Haas, chief executive of British chipmaker Arm Holdings, as a possible replacement for Huang. The report did not indicate whether Haas had accepted or was considering the role.