Trump Approved Nvidia Chip Crackdown Three Times, Lutnick Blocked Implementation

President Donald Trump has authorized measures three times this year to crack down on companies suspected of diverting advanced Nvidia artificial intelligence chips to China. The most recent approval came last Thursday, November 5, after Trump consulted billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Despite the president's repeated clearance, the proposed export restrictions have not been implemented. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has reportedly blocked or slowed the plans, standing in the way of putting the measures into effect.

“Lutnick appeared to agree with the need for action but said he would first need to consult Trump.”

The standoff has exposed disagreements within the Trump administration over how aggressively Washington should restrict China's access to advanced American semiconductor technology. Lutnick oversees the Commerce Department, which is responsible for implementing export controls.

The dispute came to a head during a meeting in the White House Situation Room last Thursday. Lutnick met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the meeting, Bessent reportedly challenged Lutnick over resistance within the Commerce Department to implementing export controls. Lutnick appeared to agree that action was needed but said he would first need to consult Trump.

The White House and a spokesperson for Lutnick did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The disagreement highlights a wider debate within the US government over preventing sensitive American technology from reaching China.